REAL LIFE: Community outreach is extraordinary

Regarding the recent letter entitled, “Real Life; Not So Real;” I would like to offer some information. The church, Real Life Ministries has many campuses, including the one in the Spirit Lake/Athol area, which recently built a new building and has invited the community to the celebration of its opening.

I am in my early 70s and have been involved in local churches where I have resided since childhood. I have worked on church staffs and with para church ministries. We have been North Idaho residents for 35 years. My husband and I have attended Real Life in Post Falls for 20 years, and a year in the Spirit Lake location.

Real Life Ministries has a well organized and effective outreach to the surrounding communities, financed by its members and attendees. The main church in Post Falls has a food bank available to the community, and a popular thrift store that helps finance the food bank. Anyone who has a financial need can come to the church and talk with the staff about their financial needs. Help is available for food, electric bills and other needs. Real answers for real needs.

Real Life Ministries partners with Lakeland School District to provide lunches and school supplies for underprivileged children. The church also spearheaded a program for suicide prevention for school-age students. They have a ministry for Senior Citizens, and a comprehensive program for addiction recovery. There are numerous opportunities for every age group, i.e. scouting and a state of the art indoor playground, free to the public. The new athletic fields and courts provide the best sports environment of its kind in the area, offering team sports for kids. Each Christmas they partner with Toys for Tots to help needy children. This hub in Post Falls branches out to all its locations.

In my opinion, it is one of the most comprehensive community outreach programs I have ever seen. The new building, which does resemble a barn, fits in well in the countryside where it is located. Seems appropriate for a leader who referred to Himself as a shepherd, and His followers, sheep. I imagine that Jesus would feel quite comfortable there, as he was born in a barn.

DEBORAH VAN VALIN

Athol