Across Oklahoma, faith-based organizations are serving their communities in countless ways—often quietly and without recognition. From caring for vulnerable families to responding to disasters and supporting those in crisis, these organizations are an important part of Oklahoma’s community network.
The Oklahoma Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives (OFBCI) recently had the opportunity to connect with Joel Kersey, South Central Regional Representative with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), to learn more about opportunities to strengthen connections among faith communities across Oklahoma.
Since 1942, the National Association of Evangelicals has worked to unite and mobilize evangelicals around common causes for the common good. Through its network of churches and faith-based organizations, the NAE helps connect people who are committed to serving their communities and addressing issues that affect individuals and families.
That same spirit of service can be seen throughout Oklahoma.
OFBCI regularly has the opportunity to meet with community and faith leaders who are working to address local needs. These organizations may look different from one another, but they share a common desire to serve their neighbors and make a positive difference.
Across the state, faith communities are helping address needs related to child welfare, foster care and adoption, homelessness, mental health, disaster response, food security, corrections, and support for vulnerable Oklahomans.
Many of these efforts happen behind the scenes. A local church may provide practical assistance to a family connected to Child Welfare. Volunteers may show up after a disaster to help a neighbor recover. A ministry may invest time in the life of someone who is incarcerated. A group of churches may come together to meet a need that one organization could not address alone.
These stories matter.
OFBCI is proud to recognize the organizations and faith communities across Oklahoma that are stepping forward to serve. Through conversations and relationships with leaders like Kersey and the many other faith and community partners throughout the state, OFBCI continues to learn about the work already happening and help create connections where additional collaboration may be possible.
Oklahoma is stronger because of the people and organizations willing to serve their neighbors.
