I am writing through clouded eyes, as the amazing work Radius Church does brings me to tears. The goodness and wholeheartedness of their charge is truly inspiring, especially in these uncertain times. “We are a people on a mission, moving out in ever-widening circles to change our world,” is the motto at Radius.
A Growing Circle of Love and Hope
Radius Church is located downtown, at 165 13th St. N. “We chose to be in the heart of the city to spread a growing circle of love and hope,” says Pastor Blake. “That’s the epicenter and is really our identity. We do a great deal for the needy, but we are there to help not just the physical needs, but also the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of all people.”
Photo by Brooke DeMartino.
Pastor Blake Clark and his congregants truly walk the walk, bringing acceptance and loving kindness to the community. One of the church’s many projects include providing food for the hungry through their PB & Jelly Deli food truck, which has given away an incredible 5,230 meals to those in need since it began three years ago.
Inspiring Story
A Breakfast Team assembles at the church every Sunday to make and serve free breakfasts to the community. 60-70 homeless folks eat with them each Sunday. This breakfast ministry was started by an early congregant of the church named Richard. He’d met members of Radius Church back in its first year, when they were giving away bagged lunches to those in need. Richard and his pup had been living on the street. Radius, and one family in particular, welcomed him in and helped Richard get back on his feet. He was then able to find a job and a home for he and his canine companion, and give back by providing breakfasts for the hungry.
Radius also does an annual Thanksgiving Project, which has provided full holiday meals to 1,130 families. Last year 130 of these Thanksgiving meals were given to Women on the Way, a group that helps single moms attend and succeed in college. It is one of many organizations Radius Church helps to support. “We want to find the organizations in our community that are doing good and support them,” says Pastor Blake. “Jesus said to love God and love others. Our heart is to be tangible love in our community.”
How Can I Make A Difference?
Another organization Radius Church enthusiastically supports is the Esther Street Project. Founder and Radius member Tiffany G. was a first responder at Pulse Nightclub shooting, which was hugely traumatic. The event tested her faith, but she ultimately decided to take the opportunity to do some real good, and named her non-profit after the street they set up on.
In the bible, Esther says, “You were made for such a time as this,” meaning you were made for a purpose. Through the project, Tiffany found her purpose in showing love to forgotten and uncared for individuals living in assisted living homes. She visits 125-150 residents every month; folks who have no one else visiting them. She provides necessities like toiletries, but also brings treats and snacks. She also prepared Christmas dinners for them every year, and donates turkeys to the homes that host them.
Photo by Brooke DeMartino.
Tiffany has seen the tremendous difference a little love and care can make in people’s lives, and it all came from her question borne out of darkness: “How can I make a difference?” Please visit EstherStreetProject.com for more information, and to donate or get involved.
Community Heroism
These are only a few of the many projects Radius Church engages in and organizations they support. “Come as you are, leave inspired to be more,” is a core value of the church, and their wonderful members truly take it to heart.
In this time of crisis, Radius Church has helped to launch the Food Truck Convoy. “This is a community effort to deliver meals to children and families who are lacking due to school closings during the COVID-19 crisis,” says Pastor Blake. “It has been made possible through the collaboration of local restaurant The Hangar, 7-8 other food trucks, Keep St. Pete Local, and so many others in our local community. We have been able to deliver 2000+ meals to date.” When the going gets tough, heroes step up. More info available at facebook.com/pg/mealstoneighbors/community/.
If you see Radius folks around, say hi! If you see their food truck, PB & Jelly Deli, grab a delicious sandwich! For each sandwich they sell, a full meal is given to someone in need. If you’re as moved as I am by the mission of Radius Church and want to know more, like service times or how you can get involved in their community work, visit RadChurch.com. Follow ‘em on Facebook or on Twitter @RadiusChurchFL.
