Historic Church Family Puts Faith In Action

Putting one’s faith in action is an important part of being a Christian. Scripture warns that faith without works is dead, and commands Christians to commit to serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

One way a small community of believers in Bakerstown is putting their faith into action is with the creation of a “Blessings Box.” Stocked with non-perishable items such as toilet paper, canned goods and boxed food, as well as assorted toiletries. The items are available to anyone in the community who may need them.

The Bakerstown Alliance Blessings Box is just one way this historic church family is living and loving like Jesus. Even though its congregation is small, Bakerstown Alliance Church is committed to making a significant impact on the community it serves.

Ed Ferrer, a Bakerstown Alliance Church Elder, and long-time church member Rick Roxby collaborated to design and build the Blessings Box. Mr. Roxby said the idea for the box is one that several members of the church have suggested and supported over the years. “Almost everyone has had this idea at some point,” he said. “It has come up several times in the past, and we just decided we weren’t going to wait any longer to do it.”

Mr. Ferrer, a retired contractor, eagerly volunteered to help build the Blessings Box. “Rick had a great inspiration for this build and I’m sure that it was God who brought all the players together for this,” he said. “Rick knows that we all need each other, not sometimes, but all the time.”

All building materials required for the construction of the Blessings Box were donated by members of the church, said Mr. Ferrer. Once it was constructed and ready for installation at Bakerstown Alliance Church, Naomi Wentz put the finishing touches on it with the creation of a sign announcing its purpose.

The 12-year-old daughter of members Brad and Bethany Wentz, Naomi said she appreciated being a part of this amazing project. “I hope this food helps the community. It was fun to make the sign and to be a part of this.”

Mr. Roxby said teaching the children of the church the importance of giving to others was one of his primary goals for this project. “What are we teaching our children?” he asked. “Mine know. When you see a need, and you can help meet it, then do it. Don’t wait for someone else to take action.” He noted it was a very “emotional moment” for him the first time he saw the Blessings Box on-site at the church and fully stocked with items.

“Thank you, Rick, but most of all, thank you Lord for everything, and for the opportunity to reach out as a church to our community,” said Mr. Ferrer. “Our God is great and blessed is He.”

The box is located in the lower parking lot of Bakerstown Alliance Church, 4030 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia. Church members will be working together to keep the box stocked with essentials. Members of the community who would like to contribute items to the Blessings Box are encouraged to do so. The more people who are able and willing to donate items for use in the Blessings Box, the greater the impact on the community.