In the late 1990's, over the course of three or four years, I found myself periodically handing out tracks, inviting folks to revivals, and simply trying to witness about Christ to folks on the streets and alleys of downtown Asheville.
The Asheville area was becoming widely known for its acceptance of New Age philosophy, as a haven for paganism and Wiccan religions, and for open homosexuality. This brought in a whole range of people from yuppy hippy wanna-bees to hard ridden, put up wet, homeless drug addicts and everyone in between. Many of these folks were trying to either find themselves or loose themselves. My efforts were like most people with good intentions: “I’m doing all I can to help – when I’m not busy at home, church, or work”.
Then in 2004 I was fortunate enough to find myself connected to some individuals that were "outside the walls of the church" ministering in the streets of Asheville. From the very first trip out, on a cold sleeting Saturday evening, I knew this was a ministry I was being called to. That evening we gave out some fruit, water, gloves, and toboggans to folks that I really did not even know existed. You see I had previously only gone out when it was convenient for me (warm and not raining). My beard and my coat were iced over, but I would be returning to a warm and dry home - the folks we met would not.
That day I realized that witnessing and handing out tracts was great, but missing, from the faith I had about those things, was action.
| 14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. |
| James 2:14-17 (New International Version) |
Proverbs 3:28 says `Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow”— when you now have it with you.’. Most of us have enough to share.
The purpose of this site to provide, a way, a place, for all those involved in the street ministries in Asheville to effectively communicate with one another and share information with those who might need it.
My name is John Underwood. I am the founder of Fallow Ground Outreach and this site. My wife Jill and I attend the West Asheville Church of God with our children. FGO operates out of, and is funded by, the West Asheville Church of God. We have the blessing of several folks, from our chruch, that share the same burden and commitment to this ministry as we have.
This site and these street ministries are not about denomination, but are about work of the body of Christ. In this we are his hands extended!