Current Needs:

Boys winter clothes size 3-6

Boys teen

Men’s adult sizes small- large

Girls winter size 3, 5 and 6

Teen girl clothes

Donations we accept regularly-

Clean, gently used or new clothing from preemie to adult 4XL including socks, underwear, bras, shoes, baby items, toys, kitchen items, towels, sheets, and bedding

Food items - cans, noodles, rice, cereal, and boxed meals

Household cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, toilet paper, and diapers and wipes

*Please message Theresa for questions about larger items and drop off location at theresasaum@msn.com or 952-484-5722.

A poem by Hispanic pastor Joel Ramírez

What Kind of Nation Have We Become?

What kind of nation is this,

when fear wakes us before the sun?

What kind of nation have we become?

When people hesitate at their own doors,

keys trembling in their hands,

seeking ICE more than light.

What kind of nation have we become?

Children grow up behind closed curtains,

learning the shape of the world through shadows,

playing quietly to avoid notice.

What kind of nation have we become?

When the walk to church feels dangerous,

when prayer is whispered like a secret,

and faith stays home for safety.

What kind of nation have we become?

When churches lock their doors,

not because God has left,

but because fear has outgrown faith.

What kind of nation have we become?

When shepherds weep in silence,

counting the missing faces in empty pews,

wondering how to care for people they cannot see.

What kind of nation have we become?

There is no light at the end of the tunnel

- only the echo of another bad headline,

another family holding its breath.

What kind of nation have we become?

The bad news travels faster than the Good News,

shouts louder than hope,

and drowns out the Gospel of peace.

What kind of nation have we become?

When survival replaces dreaming,

when staying invisible feels like wisdom,

and courage feels like a luxury.

What kind of nation have we become?

And still—

there are men and women who extend their hands

to feed the hungry,

to cover those shivering in the cold,

to walk alongside the innocent,

and to raise the voice of those who cannot speak.

Still, there are hearts that refuse indifference,

knees that bend in prayer,

and feet that move toward suffering.

Still, love crosses borders fear has drawn.

Still, mercy interrupts cruelty.

Still, God walks the streets we are afraid to tread.

And in this moment of darkness,

the community unites, stronger than ever,

with brave souls living by their values,

undaunted by the storms of life.

So we ask again, not in anger, but in grief,

not to accuse, but to awaken:

What kind of nation have we become?

And who will we choose to become?

Hispanic pastor Joel Ramírez

Iglesia Centro Cristiano de Minneapolis

Converge North Central

HIGHLIGHTS

January 2026-

We are making a sincere effort to show Jesus’ love to all of our guests during this difficult season in Minnesota. At this time, we are asking that if any families have fears about leaving their houses, they can contact us, and we will do what we can to support them.

December 2025-

Our HOPE Christmas Tea's were so well attended and such a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Christmas- Jesus birthday!

We had 2 events with over 50 adults Plus more kids each time! Over 20 volunteers helped bring food, prep tables, donate gift cards and prizes, make the craft and bingo game, act in the skit, host the tables, watch kids, and translate for the Teas. Here are some pictures that captured our lovely party!

In October, we started a 5 minute HOPE Share before each time we open the closet. Guests get to hear about Jesus as the true hope and the reason behind all that we do. We began by using the 3 circles gospel presentation and have had many positive responses. -10/25

Due to such high numbers of guests coming in lately, we have expanded HOPE Closet and the ISI Food Pantry! We have welcomed around 20-30 families a week in June and July 2025.

As we have grown to serve around 75 families a month, the Lord has provided some very faithful volunteers! Not all are pictured here, but we are so grateful for each one who serves!