By SHABRELLE POLLOCK
Greater Faith Church is in the midst of its second-annual boot camp.
But there are no obstacle courses or marching drills associated with this camp.
The church — located at 2814 Mount Tabor Road in New Albany — is sponsoring the four-day event, which began Thursday night and will continue through Sunday. Those partnering with Greater Faith include Urban Reach of Kentuckiana and Boot Camp America.
Several events for the Community Outreach Boot Camp are in Southern Indiana and Louisville. They are designed to reach out to those affected by community violence and the economic recession.
“[With this event], we’re showing the community that the church is still here,” said the Rev. J. Todd Nichols, of Greater Faith. “[At our church], we know that it is more blessed to give than to receive, [and] a spiritual climate change gives people hope.”
This will mark the church’s second year of spearheading the boot camp in the area, and Nichols is hopeful that this year will be even more successful than last.
“I have a grand vision for the city to reach as many people as I can with not only monetary blessings, but with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Nichols has been pastor at Greater Faith Church for the past eight years. During his tenure, he has led the church in similar outreach work on a smaller scale and was pleased with the outcome.
Last year, with support from Matt Maddix, of Boot Camp America Soul Winners — a national organization with the mission to strengthen church outreach to local communities by strengthening church members — Greater Faith was able to reach thousands of people within the Southern Indiana and Louisville areas.
Nichols wants to double this year’s numbers and impact.
During the event, those being trained on how to spread the Gospel will receive first-hand experience by going into those communities in need.
To reach the communities, the camp will hold multiple block parties, where the church will bring the word of God and different donations to those in need. Donations include paying rent for some residents — totaling up to $500, utility payments, grocery money and even two car giveaways.
Greater Faith focuses on different demographic groups — from teenagers to poor multicultural areas — in order to achieve the most widespread influence.
Nichols feels that the church’s dedication to reaching out to others regardless of their situation is what earns them the community’s trust.
“As we go back in [to communities we touched last year], people come up to me … and refer to me as ‘pastor,’” Nichols said. “They remember [the church] in a positive light.
“We care about people no matter who they are.”
In the past year, Greater Faith has doubled in membership, and Nichols said that is largely in part to the Community Outreach Boot Camp. He feels that it is no coincidence that violence and other destructive practices have dropped in communities that the program has touched, and he looks forward to continuing to make a change this year.
“[We] want to illustrate that Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever,” Nichols said. “[We] want to bless those reached so they will stop turning to alcohol, drugs, violence and move away from depression. If [we can help them] stop doing things that cause a destructive pattern, we can rebuild the lives of families and [improve] communities.”
