"Mobilizing Christians to love their neighbors"

The purpose of the Adopt-A-Block ministry is to show the love of Jesus to people by building relationships with them where they live. We believe if people truly experience the love of God, they will turn to Him. We've found this to be true as people's lives are changing dramatically in every block we've adopted.

The concept is simple - serving and loving people into the Kingdom of God. The families on the blocks are seeing fulfilled promises by the workers in replacement of empty promises. Workers become responsible for the block they adopt by becoming the Shepherds and the Watchmen for the block. The adopted block is like a small congregation who needs love and guidance. They are visited weekly by volunteers who build relationships with them, serve them, and share the Gospel with them. The local churches have resources - volunteers, money, time, love, compassion, and information. Getting them to the streets gives them a place to use them. Adopt-A-Block volunteers are equipped with agencies to refer people to help get them out of their pressing situations (no job, no food, no rent, no hope, etc.).

Adopt-A-Block is a strategic partnership of more than 300 volunteers from two-dozen churches, each of which have committed to love and serve their neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. Adopt-A-Block workers visit almost 2,000 families each week.

We are watching God transform our city one family at a time!

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself."
(Luke 10:27 KJV)

Adopt-A-Block Events for 2003
sSweetheart Dinner	sFeb. 22
sWomen's Makeover	sApr. 19
sMemorial Parade	sMay 26
sBlock Party	AAug. 16
sLos Angeles, Dream Center Mission Trip	Sept. 24-29
sThanksgiving Dinner	sNov. TBA

Participating Churches
Without the partnership of these churches and their evangelistic efforts, this ministry would not be possible. While the ministry started in Springfield, it is clear to see that this ministry is spreading. (Unless otherwise noted, the churches are located in Springfield, Ohio.)

On May 17 and 18, the life story of local Springfield community leader Tony Valle was shared with millions around the world through radio. In August 2001, Valle's life story was recorded at the studios of CDR Radio, The PATH® (90.3 FM) for the international radio broadcast program "Words To Live By." Valle's story was heard locally Sunday, May 18 at 7:30 a.m. on CDR Radio, The PATH® (90.3 FM). "Words To Live By" is a half-hour radio program presenting testimonies of how God and His Word have changed, challenged, and impacted lives. The program is aired on more than 360 stations worldwide, including stations in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, the Far East, Africa, and Central America.  "Tony's circumstances blurred his perception of God. After having to fend for himself since he was fourteen, how could he believe that Jesus Christ cared for him? It wasn't until he saw the change that took place in his wife, Kelly, after she was saved, that Tony was drawn to the love of God" Valle is the director of Adopt-A-Block, a service of Springfield's Urban Light Ministries (a nondenominational Christian outreach ministry).

To come out on the block with one of the staff or volunteers or to have Tony Valle, Director or Faith Foster, Coordinator speak to your church, please contact them. blocks@urbanlight.org