GAINESVILLE – Friday was another typically busy lunch hour at Good News at Noon as Executive Director Ken Gossage finally found a moment to sit and talk about an event the longtime ministry has planned for Tuesday morning.
Gossage said the time had come to reconnect and say thanks to the many churches that had traditionally provided food, funding and volunteers for the homeless outreach, many of whom became involved with Good News over a quarter-century ago.
However, Gossage explained, last year COVID-19 forced most of those churches (and civic organizations) to step back from hands-on, in-person involvement at the Davis Street homeless shelter, but now that was beginning to change. “They are starting to return,” Gossage explained, “but it is very slow.”
“So, we’re having our first ever ‘Pastors Breakfast’,” Gossage said enthusiastically. “It’s a good opportunity for us to kind of reach out to them, kind of update them about what’s been going on, and try and strengthen our ties that we have had for so many years with the local church.”
Gossage said invitations had been sent to pastoral staffs across Gainesville and Hall County, encouraging them to attend the “Pastor Appreciation Breakfast” on Tuesday, July 27, at The Hub on the campus of Gainesville High School. Gossage said the breakfast will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last about an hour.
(Gossage urged any pastors or churches that did not receive an invitation to please come and join the celebration.)
Gossage has been at the helm at Good News Shelter since stepping in as Interim Director in May of 2019; in December of 2019 “Interim” was removed from his title. Gossage never looked back and the ministry founded by Gene and Margie Beckstein in 1987 is now undergoing what many are describing as a revival.
Gossage is unabashed about how he views a ministry such as Good News at Noon. “My philosophy on why I focus on churches is because I believe it (providing for those in need) is the church’s responsibility.”
“People will say that’s for government to take care of, but I think government has gotten involved (in social ministry) way more than they should have, and really, God has ordained the church to take care of people, the homeless, the oppressed, widows and orphans.” Gossage said he was fully aware that his words might not be “politically correct’.
“I’m just trying to encourage the church to take up that mantle again,” he added.
Gossage didn’t miss the opportunity to talk about the ministry’s announced plan to relocate nearby and build a new facility.
Gossage said, “There’s going to be so many more opportunities for the church to serve and part of this (Pastor Appreciation Breakfast) is just trying to make them aware…once we get into our new building we’re going to need them even more.”
“We really want to see the local church get involved in actual ministry with the homeless.”
