Neighborhood House of Ministry
After 20 years of serving the community in Polk County, Florida, our Neighborhood House of Ministry is an outreach we still remain excited about. Lakeland, Florida is home to the Bridle Path Dr Neighborhood House of Ministry. This outreach exists to serve our neighbors, create authentic community, and see lives changed through the love of God.
Our Why
Everything we do is centered around 5 powerful words that Jesus said in Matthew 22:39, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He didn’t give any terms or conditions to this commandment. Jesus simply told us to do for others what He has already done for us. At the heart of the Neighborhood House of Ministry, our why is what drives us every day to love, serve, and connect with our neighbors. These neighbors come along side us and get involved to pray, encourage and help one another. Jesus is our message and people are our passion. We believe serving our neighbors is a privilege and creates an opportunity to share the story of the gospel. We work together to provide specialized resources and services to neighborhoods.
Scale of Impact
Weekly food distribution
Quarterly Neighborhood Gatherings
Monthly Neighborhood Zoom meetings
Monthly Neighborhood Newsletters
The Importance of Neighborhoods in Building Strong Communities and Providing Support
Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Enhancing Quality of Life Through The Bridle Path Drive House of Ministry
Neighborhoods play a crucial role in creating a sense of community and providing support for those who live within them. One aspect of this support is food distribution. In many communities, individuals and organizations come together to distribute food to those in need. This could be in the form of a food pantry, a community garden, or a neighborhood potluck. The goal is to ensure that everyone in the neighborhood has access to nutritious and delicious food.
Learn How You Can Get Involved In Your Neighborhood
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." Ephesians 4:2-6 – "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Building Strong Communities through Neighborly Relationships
Loving your neighbor is another important aspect of building strong communities. This means taking the time to get to know those around you and being there for them in times of need. Whether it is offering a listening ear, lending a hand with a household task, or simply being present, showing love to your neighbors can make a big difference in their lives. In turn, this helps to build a sense of community and create a supportive network of people who care for one another.
The Many Faces of Neighborly Support
Supporting your neighbor can take many forms. It could be as simple as offering to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor who is unable to leave their home, or helping a new family move into the neighborhood. It could also involve volunteering at a local food pantry or soup kitchen, or participating in neighborhood clean-up efforts. By supporting each other, we create a stronger and more resilient community.
Do You Know Your Neighbors?
We Do Through These Acts of Kindness
Food Distribution
Neighborhood Gatherings
Monthly Neighborhood Zoom Meeting
Monthly Newsletter
Neighborhood Holiday Events
Strengthening Bonds and Creating a Sense of Unity
Gathering as a community is another way to build strong relationships and foster a sense of belonging. This can be achieved through events such as neighborhood potlucks, block parties, neighborhood marketplace and yardsales. These events provide an opportunity for neighbors to come together, enjoy good food and conversation, and get to know one another. They also provide a space for community members to discuss issues and come up with solutions to problems affecting the neighborhood.
“Building a community is like weaving a tapestry, each thread representing an individual, but when woven together, they create a beautiful, vibrant and strong fabric that can endure anything.”
Author Unknown
Green Spaces and Strong Communities
Although we no longer have the space for a community garden in The Bridle Path Drive House of Ministry, we’d love to help support your neighborhood with this initiative! Creating community gardens is another way to bring people together and promote healthy living. Community gardens provide a space for neighbors to grow their own food, learn about agriculture, and connect with nature. They also provide an opportunity for neighbors to come together and work side by side, creating a sense of community and a shared sense of purpose. Community gardens also help to promote sustainability by reducing the distance that food travels from farm to table, and by reducing food waste.
Is Your Neighborhood a Good Match?
Bridging Faith and Community
Building neighborhood Bible studies is a way to promote spiritual growth and create a sense of community. Neighborhood Bible studies provide an opportunity for neighbors to come together, study the Bible, and discuss its teachings. They also provide a space for individuals to share their thoughts and experiences, and to support one another in their spiritual journeys. By coming together to study the Bible, neighbors can build relationships and grow in their faith, creating a strong and supportive community.
How Can You Pray For Your Neighbors?
Dear Bridle Path Drive Neighbors,
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life."
The Lord planted Leland Family Ministries where we are to help neighbors discover the light of life. So, we're asking each Neighbor to consider becoming a Light to their neighbors and living intentional pray-care-share lifestyles.
Becoming a Light is free and confidential. You'll receive a map and list of your closest neighbors, along with emails at the frequency of your choice to pray for your next five neighbors that day. When you get a chance, walk or drive by those homes as you pray for them.
To learn more about this opportunity visit the following link to sign up on the website: https://blesseveryhome.com/lelandfamilyministries
May God bless you as you bless your neighbors,
Libbie Windley
Leland Family Ministries
Let’s Come Together
Neighborhoods play a vital role in providing support, creating community, and promoting healthy living. By coming together to distribute food, show love and support for one another, gather as a community, create community gardens, and build neighborhood Bible studies, we can build stronger and more resilient communities. Whether we are working to address a specific issue, or simply coming together to have fun and build relationships, our neighborhoods have the potential to be powerful forces for good in the world.