The mission of Jericho Road Ministries, based locally in Brooksville is, “to help the hungry, the homeless, and the hurting in the name of Jesus.”
“Jericho Road Ministries exists to be a conduit of God’s love to those in need in their time of peril. Jericho operates shelters, recovery programs, food distribution and social enterprises to ensure that all people are treated with dignity, honor and love,” read an organizational mission statement found on their website. “Jericho’s foundation has been, is, and will always be the unchanging nature of God and His perfect word, the Bible.”
On November 6th, 2020, Jericho Road Ministries will host a celebration of both past achievements and future possibilities. “Join us for a night of celebration for all that God has done through Jericho Road Ministries in the past year!”, read an invitation to the Jericho Road Annual Celebration Dinner, to be celebrated 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 13171 Tara St. in Spring Hill. “We will be holding our Annual Celebration Dinner where we will look back and celebrate what God has done through our ministry this past year.”
Jericho Road has much to celebrate. Their website states that by this year to date, the charity has distributed 126,544 pounds of food; accommodated 7,722 shelter nights; and helped 1,981 households.
The event’s keynote speaker will be John Mitten, Chair, County Commission, Hernando County, District 1, and Jericho Road board member. “Jericho Road Ministries is one of the many reasons why Hernando County is a great place to live, work, and play. After joining the JRM Board in 2005, I have appreciated the singular focus of this non-profit to help those who have nowhere to turn yet are willing to work toward a solution,” said Mitten. “Unabashedly Christian, JRM believes we should love our neighbors, all of them, and do what it takes to help them in their darkest hour of need. Founded by Bruce Gimbel (retired), and now led by Andrew Chamberlin, many lives have been changed and redirected due to the tireless efforts of the staff, volunteers, and donors of JRM.”
Andrew Chamberlin sees Mitten’s speech as the centerpiece of this event, which he views as a thank you to Hernando. “This is such a giving community,” said Chamberlin. And by paying the dinner’s $25 admission price, guests will continue to support Jericho and its mission. “Proceeds will go to support our ministry,” he said. “Our homeless shelter, our recovery program, our food ministry.” And aside from a gourmet dinner that features a dinner of baked chicken ziti prepared by Bread Box Bakery in Brooksville, guests will receive food for thought regarding the expansion of these services. “We’re going to be talking at the dinner about our future,” said Chamberlin. “Our plan to grow.”
Jericho Road is most literally exploring new avenues, planning to expand its shelter and food ministry. “We need more space, more options to feed people, we need to build on,” said Chamberlin. “We want to share our vision with the community, to let people know.”
Also on the menu will be honor and recognition for those who have successfully completed the Jericho Road New Life Recovery Program, as well as the organization’s board members. John Mitten encourages the community to both support and celebrate with Jericho Road. “Support Jericho Road Ministries,” he said, “and you will be helping a neighbor that needs it desperately.”
Tickets for Jericho Road Annual Celebration Dinner are $25 per person. Purchase your ticket for this event at https://www.jericho-road.net/celebration-dinner.
