Starfish Ministry was born in November 2006. The idea for Starfish was inspired by our desire to serve God, as a family, and by our experiences serving the homeless in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our church in Charlotte, University City Fellowship, is fully invested in serving people outside the church walls – feeding and loving the homeless in downtown Charlotte and building homes for the homeless in Mexico, helping orphans all over the world through an international adoption program, loving and caring for those suffering with AIDS locally, teaching kids in Ethiopia about Jesus through soccer camps, and loving those in their community who need to be loved. It is there that we learned to imitate Christ through serving those He loves.
The corner of 14th & Douglas in downtown Omaha is a gathering place for many of our city’s homeless people. It is a pick-up and feeding place for the Open Door Mission and other programs/shelters. We chose that corner because that’s where the hungry seemed to gather – hungry not only for food and clothing but also for love and acceptance.
Each week God provides a hot meal, clothing, hygiene items and love and acceptance through the amazing volunteers He sends. People from all walks of life, all levels of faith, and all denominations come to help. People come to help for many different reasons. Some come to serve God and His people, some come to serve out of a sense of social justice, and some come to serve their community through a diversion program. God uses each and every one who comes to express Himself to those who need Him, which is all of us!
We are so excited to be involved in what God has done and what He continues to do on that corner. Not only have many people been helped but we, ourselves, have learned so much, our faith has been strengthened, our family has grown closer to each other and to God, we have made many great friends, and we have been able to experience God in a way that can only be experienced by being actively involved in what He is doing, loving people.
We invite you to come and see what God is doing in downtown Omaha! Each Sunday at noon, rain or shine, until at least 1:30 and many times 2:00, we are on the corner of 14th & Douglas. Come down and help us serve lunch and get to know someone! You will be blessed. We promise!
May God Bless you through your love and service to others!
Dave, Robin, Christian, Nicholas, and Erin Laney
Starfish Ministry seeks to make a difference in people's lives, one hand up at a time. If you would like to join our yahoo group, click below!