First Christ Cares
First Christ Cares is a body of believers who want to make sure that everyone hears the message that Christ cares. We are committed to showing the compassion that Jesus modeled to the hurting people around us. Our community is filled with people who are hurting deeply and struggling with issues such as homelessness and addictions. We want to help meet their needs—physical and spiritual.
Birthed from a home-based Bible study, First Christ Cares began in May with the dream of seeing lives changed not just in our community, but around the world. Our dream is to start churches on every continent (except Antarctica) and to have Christian schools started out of those churches so that spiritual, physical, and educational needs would all be met through the body of Christ.
Pastor Don Lockhart believes that the only obstacle First Christ Cares faces is himself. But he is committed to staying out of God’s way, walking in obedience, and leaving the results up to God. The year is off to a good start as we ordained our first minister in January who is on his way to spend two years as a missionary in South Africa. In addition, we have already been able to distribute clothes and food to many in our local community.
First Christ Cares sees food and clothes distribution as a big part of our ministry, but that requires space. We are currently meeting in some rented space in an office park, but we are hoping to find a permanent location where we will have plenty of space to handle food and clothing donations. We are also hoping to spend time going door-to-door, identifying the needs are in our community and sharing the gospel.
|
Don Lockhart
Don Lockhart grew up as a preacher’s kid in Forest City, Arkansas. He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Memphis, and was later certified in International Studies and Organizational Development. Don felt a ministry tugging for years, but struggled with feeling like he wasn’t qualified. Finally, in 1998 he accepted that calling and began attending seminary at McAfee School of Theology. Don went on to be licensed at Rainbow Park Church where he served in youth and outreach ministries, all while working for Hewlett-Packard.
In 2009, Don was diagnosed with the same type of cancer that took his father’s life. The diagnosis was a reminder that our time on earth is limited and Don was well aware that he might not have much longer. This inspired Don to look for more opportunities to share the love of Christ with those around him. After some treatment and much prayer, six months after his diagnosis the doctors could find no sign of cancer in his body.
The spark was lit for Don, though, and he went on to start a Bible study in his home. Those in Don’s Bible study knew that God was up to something in his life and let him know that they wanted to be a part of his ministry, even suggesting to him that he start a church. Out of a desire to see people touched with the life-changing message of the gospel, Don, who still works full-time at Hewlett-Packard, began First Christ Cares. |
|
Contact Info:
Don Lockhart, First Christ Cares
Mailing address: 3641 River Edge Loop, Decatur, GA 30034
Church meeting location: 4135 Flat Shoals Blvd A, Ste. 103, Atlanta 30349
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
