A number of Dwell support ministries are, for now, meeting online--a way to continue to serve and encourage, including those who may be especially vulnerable at this time. These groups are sharing God's love and strength with people battling addiction (and those who love them), military veterans, people with mental illness, and those with special needs. You can see a full list of ministries below.
Tim Downs volunteers with the weekly Call-Sign Bible study for veterans. In March they stopped their in-person meetings, but after a few weeks organized online meetings--“We just missed this group of people so much.” He says it’s encouraging to connect and hear what everyone is going through. They’re offering short discussions on topics like fear, anxiety, and isolation, and have spent time praying together.
Rachel Yensel with the Promise group (serving people whose family members or close friends are battling addiction) says it's worth struggling through the awkwardness of meeting online to continue to share their lives. She says quarantine, isolation, and the death of "normal" can exacerbate problems of addiction and codependency so they’ve been talking specifically about transparency, boundaries, and healthy relating. “It's just been really great hear the different ways people are wrestling with God's truth, and claiming His promises during such an uncertain time. These online meetings have helped us share about our struggles, encourage one another, and have accountability to move towards God's peace and comfort amidst the unknown.”
Access (Dwell’s ministry to people with special needs) has moved its twice a month Bible study to Zoom. Greg Roth with Access says these meetings have been exciting and have helped people stay connected during the shutdown. Greg says, “Some folks haven't been working and they miss the social aspects of their jobs probably more than the pay checks.” He says those who’ve joined seem very appreciative and encouraged about the opportunity to fellowship, pray and learn about God.
Here's a list of Dwell ministries meeting online, with contact information. If you don't see your ministry, please reach out to the leader listed on the Dwell website.
- CALL-SIGN--Ministry to military veterans
Tim Downs--downstg@yahoo.com
- ACCESS--Ministry to those with disabilities and special needs)
Greg Roth--gregjroth@icloud.com/614-313-0989
1st & 3rd Saturdays at 5pm, Bible study
- FAITH--Bible-based support group for people with mental illness
Andy Cafaro--faithministryleadteam@gmail.com, 614-262-4525 (no text messages)
1st & 3rd Sundays at 2-3pm
- HOPE--Bible Study and support group for alcohol & substance abusers
Rob Nugen--robert.nugen@sbcglobal.net/614-499-0514
Every other Tuesday prayer at 7:30. Next one is May 5.
- NEVER ALONE--Bible study support group for alcohol & substance abusers
Ron Verilla--614-905-1122 or email Jenny: johnsone@oclc.org
Weekly Friday, 7-8pm
- PROMISE--Bible study support group for family/friends of alcohol/substance abusers
Rachel Yensel--ryensel@yahoo.com/614-783-2664
Weekly Saturday mornings 10:00 - 11:00ish