Contact: Cyndy Rees, Shepherding the Next Generation, 614-264-6662, crees@shepherdingthenextgeneration.org

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 11, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Staff members from Governor John Kasich's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives joined SHEPHERDING THE NEXT GENERATION'S National Director, Dr. John Crupper and Ohio State Director, Cyndy Rees for a tour of The Stowe Ministry Center in south central Columbus to learn how faith-centered private partnerships are working to meet the direct needs of vulnerable residents in the community.

Rev. Michael Brooks, President and CEO of The Stowe Ministry Center and Dr. Rich Halcombe, Missions Director for the Metro Columbus Baptist Association, gave the group a tour of their 16,000 square foot facility where over 86,000 meals were served during 2010. The Stowe Ministry Center also provides vision and dental clinics, a mobile medical clinic, tutoring for children, and job education and training for women.

Rev. Brooks commented, "When government and faith based communities have a common goal and an effective strategy, we will begin to see real transformation happen in our inner cities. Not just changes in housing, but changes in lives emotionally, spiritually, and physically; changes in attitudes, and in self-esteem, which in turn improves the entire community."

"We were very happy to be able to introduce the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to this tremendous ministry in the heart of Columbus," said Dr. John Crupper. "The Stowe Center is truly meeting the needs of many hurting people. Their successful work is solely based on volunteers and donations."

Both Rev. Brooks and Dr. Halcombe are members of Shepherding the Next Generation, a national non-profit organization of Christian leaders who are committed to speaking out on behalf of children at risk and equipping the Church to live out the commandment to love their neighbors as themselves.