Committed to making a difference in Niles, Michigan, a group of church members started a street ministry in 1998—Neighbors Helping Neighbors, commonly known as Neighbors. Steps to Christ was distributed at the park, and contacts were asked if they needed any assistance, like snow removal in the winter.
In 2002, a number of the Neighbors members were instrumental in starting the Edwardsburg Church. In recent years the thrust of Neighbors is sharing Bible studies on video, such as "Millennium of Prophecy" by Doug Batchelor, or the written series "Good News for Today." Interested people are located through teams of two Neighbors members going door-to-door. Opinion surveys are used to engage the people in conversation.
Miracles have taken place as Neighbors members have prayed for Bible study students. Mary Hunt was scheduled to have another surgery on her eyes with an 80 percent chance she'd lose her sight. Since she was anxious about the operation, Ray and Jay Constable prayed for her. When the doctor checked her eyes, he told her she didn't need surgery, for they were already healed.
When The Passion of the Christ was being shown in theatres, a survey about the film was conducted, and tickets to the Easter weekend Passion Play at Andrews University were given away. In addition, another survey being used starts with "In your opinion, what is the biggest problem in society?" and ends with "Would you be interested in studying the Bible?" The free book, The Passion of Love, by Ellen G. White that is offered to contacts who take the survey, has been accepted by a large number of people. Jack Einhorn, personal ministries director, stated that 2,700 copies have been distributed, including those given by church members to family, friends, and coworkers. Near the front of the book is an address label for the Niles Westside Church.
As the evangelistic effort Hope for Our Day approaches, more books will be given to the community as Neighbors members search for people seeking the Savior.
Jessie Oliver is a Niles Westside Church member and a Neighbors Helping Neighbors participant.
