What is ministry? It is so much more than preaching, evangelizing and building a church. In a broader sense, ministry means SERVICE, especially to GOD and others, but it also refers to a government department, headed by a minister, who is appointed to SERVE THE PEOPLE.
In the Christian context, ministry is any action motivated by LOVE for GOD and intended to glorify Him. Ministry is anything we do to HELP people in everyday life, that brings HOPE and JOY.
Meet Wade Milyard, a 20-year veteran of Maryland law enforcement who never stopped serving. He had responded to a distress call in an area, and had been disturbed by the poor state of the homeless in that community.
Few months after retiring, Wade took an old police activities bus, gave it a fresh coat of paint and a sweet name “Lucy,” then filled it with washers, dryers, and free detergent.
And, what does he do with Lucy?
He drives around town once a week, offering COMPLETELY FREE laundry services to anyone experiencing homelessness.
What began with a quiet moment of inspiration at a campsite has become Fresh Step Laundry – a growing nonprofit that restores more than just clothes, it restores confidence and dignity.
Clean shirts mean better chances at job interviews, medical appointments, and feeling human again.
Wade teams up with Living Water Shower Ministry to add toiletries and warm conversation to every visit.
His next goal?
A second bus dedicated to helping school kids without stable housing.
From protecting streets to washing socks, Wade proves real heroes keep finding new ways to LIFT OTHERS UP. That’s MINISTRY!
Have you found yours?
DA