Ministries Making a Difference

Local churches meeting community needs…plus leadership changes at Send Relief and Global Christian Relief

Photo via Episcopal News

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, has provided 2,000 square feet of former classroom space to Operation Nightwatch for use as an emergency shelter for homeless women. After renovations, the shelter opened in February and can accommodate up to 20 people. Facilities include beds, bathrooms, lockers, laundry rooms, and exam rooms for physical and mental health appointments.

Photo via AG News

This Easter, Calvary Christian Church in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, will be hosting its Broadway-style production “The Promise” through its theater ministry. Calvary Theater debuted in 1997 with a version of the same play, and presents semi-annual productions on Easter and Christmas with the creative talent of over 150 cast and crew members. This past Christmas, they performed “The Gospel According to Scrooge,” which drew more than 2,000 attendees and resulted in 115 making proclamations of faith in Christ.

Photo via Church of the Nazarene

Members of the Ululoloa Church of the Nazarene visited Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged in Vailele, Samoa, in late January. Youth performed for the home’s residents, and brought food and gifts donated by the church. They also offered to pray with residents and staff. The elderly home—the only one in Samoa—is run by Sisters of the Poor.

NAMB President Kevin Ezell (left) and Send Relief’s outgoing president, Bryant Wright (right)

MINISTRY LEADERSHIP CHANGES

 Retiring

Bryant Wright is retiring as president of Send Relief, the Southern Baptist Convention’s compassion ministry. Under his five-year tenure, Send Relief expanded from a domestic ministry to an international one, partnering with the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board. Send Relief worked with partners in Turkey after the earthquake, Ukraine since the start of its war with Russia, and Israel after the surprise attack by Hamas. NAMB President Kevin Ezell and IMB President Paul Chitwood will lead Send Relief moving forward.

Brian Orme, third from right, stands with his wife and four sons

 Hiring

 Global Christian Relief (GCR) announced Brian Orme as its new CEO, starting March 17, 2025. GCR, an advocacy ministry, works to strengthen and support persecuted Christians around the world. Under Orme’s leadership, GCR plans to amplify its frontline reporting. Orme founded ChurchLeaders.com, was senior editor of Outreach Magazine, and worked in pastoral ministry for a decade. GCR has 0 stars and a “C” transparency grade—because the ministry does not file a Form 990 with the IRS—and a donor confidence score of 55.

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