Marcus Laughlin, newly appointed
Deacon Chairman
at Prestonwood, Victory Life
Advisory Board Member, and
H.I.S. BridgeBuilders Board
Member, knows that the ministry of serving
others in the community is transformational
not only in the lives of those he’s
serving, but in his life as well.
“God has clearly shown me that life is all
about relationships—first and foremost
my relationship with Jesus Christ and then
my relationship with others,” Marcus said.
“And He continues to demonstrate that no
one is outside the reach of His love and His
ability to transform.”
CITY MISSIONS
Restorative Justice Ministry
Our Restorative Justice Ministry seeks
to evangelize and disciple inmates within
state prisons and provide care for residents
in transition homes. In addition, RJM
ministers to community members who
have loved ones who are incarcerated. Last
year, the Global Day of Prayer Outreach
mobilized more than 430 volunteers who
visited youth, women and men in various
facilities.
Dennis Lake, a volunteer who serves as
Restorative Justice Ministry Coordinator,
said his life was radically changed while
witnessing God work in the lives of those
for whom society has no hope.
“The opportunity to serve Him and to
see lives changed through His love and
the power of the Holy Spirit is an immeasurable
blessing,” Dennis said.
English as a Second Language
Each year, the Literacy Ministry assists
more than 250 people from seven surrounding
communities and 30 different
countries (speaking 20 different languages).
Long-time volunteer and co-founder
Janet Roberts says Prestonwood provides
the students a bilingual Bible, or one in
their language, and one in English.
“Every time we meet,” Janet said, “we
have a 15 to 20 minute devotional time to
teach them about Christ.”
The ministry has witnessed hundreds of
salvations as students learn of the awesome
love of Christ.
Apartment Church Ministry
The Apartment Church establishes
small groups that provide Bible study and
worship for individuals and families in or
near retirement centers and apartment
communities. In the communities served,
24 percent of the adults do not have a
high school education and 27 percent are
unemployed. Through servant evangelism,
after school programs such as parenting
classes, tutoring, recreational activities,
literacy and computer classes are provided
based on the needs of the community.
The highlight of this ministry for Steve
Byrd, Minister of City Missions, is the great
number of confessions of faith and baptisms
he has witnessed through the years.
GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER AND H.I.S.
BRIDGEBUILDERS
For the third year, the Prestonwood
family will join members of churches from
all over the Dallas area during the 90 Days
of Blessing that follow the Global Day
of Prayer to clean neighborhoods, build
houses, minister to prisoners and more.
Prestonwood has helped bring hope
back into the Bon Ton community of
South Dallas, according to Velma Mitchell,
Prestonwood member and resident of the
community. Last summer, Velma was the
recipient of a Habitat Home through the
90 Days of Blessing service project.
“Our community knows that we are not
alone,” she said. “In any given month, more
than 200 from Prestonwood visit here. Just
because they live in North Dallas, doesn’t
mean that people don’t care about us in
South Dallas.”
This summer, interns with a passion for
inner-city missions will help with Vacation
Bible School, community activities and
Bible studies that will reach more than
3,000 children.
90 Days of Blessing Projects
www.gdopdallas.org
- Habitat for Humanity Home Builds
- DallasONE
- Clean Sweep
- Prison Outreach
- Voice of Hope & Builder’s of Hope Playground
- West Dallas Neighborhood Restoration Project
- City of Hope Day with Dallas Leadership Foundation
- Evangelistic Block Party
- Community Prayer Walks
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