Outreach FAQ

Where is Harrowgate Park in Philadelphia?

Harrowgate Park is on the corner of East Tioga St. and Kensington Ave.

The map quest address would be [3460] Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134   or click on  Maps

What kind of clothes should I wear?

The weather changes from spring to fall and dressing in layers is always advised. In the summer months it can become quite hot with the humidity being very high.  Afternoon thunderstorms can often bring a torrential rainstorm but staying under the tent will keep you dry.

You should wear clothing with pockets as you do not want to lie anything down that you don’t mind losing.  Street people feel that if you lay it down you really don’t want it and it becomes fair game to those who do.  Jeans, blouse, shirt whatever is great but we do ask that you dress modestly.

Do not wear sandals as the addicts often throw their used needles into the grass and we do not want anyone to accidentally become stuck.

Can I bring children?

Children older that 10 should be fine but maturity cannot be measured by age, so we ask that each parent who brings a child be responsible for that child.  If they are mature and want to be involved we have things for them to do but it is not safe to wonder off from the tent and if they should go over to the playground they should be supervised.

Is it safe?

The park is home to drug dealers, pimps and their prostitutes, street gangs and a wide variety of individuals who have just gotten out of prison or who will be in prison shortly. We do not advise wondering around neither the neighborhood nor the park especially after dark.  Keeping an eye out for one another and not wandering off is always a good policy.

You can park your vehicle on the streets surrounding the park, keeping the inside of it empty of anything anyone would like to steal. We have not had any problems with our vehicles and they are within eyesight of you at all times.

What should I do if someone asks me for money?

This is something that will no doubt happen to you.  It is best to remember that most of the people may lie to you and are often demon possessed. But you will find that quite refreshing from most of the everyday people you meet because at least you are going into this understanding that most are high on drugs, low on self-esteem and have little or no hope of any future.

If they ask for money tell them to talk with me or simply ask God what He would want you to do.

Should I bring my purse or wallet?

I would lock up my purse in the trunk of your car before you get there and just have some cash on you in case you need some.  I don’t carry my wallet, just some cash and drivers license and a credit card.

Do you have restroom facilities?

Yes we do, we try and have two Porta-potties on site with one of them locked for those of us who have come to minister.  We need to have them guarded, as they will become very unsanitary in a hurry if we open them up to everyone who is passing by.  That is why we try and keep one locked up for ministering individuals, especially the ladies.

I would like to bring a team of people to help serve is their anything we can bring?

We like to look at this like an old fashioned ‘potluck', in other words we want people to come and give to those less fortunate.  If you come prepared to give you personally are contributing to what is happening around you.  To see the look on someone’s face as you hand them a cold water or hamburger and to know that you gave of your time and money to help make this possible will give you a feeling that will stay with you for a long time.

Often times we have church groups who desire to come and be a part of serving. There are a couple of ways you can do this.  One is to look at the list of items needed for an afternoon of barbecue and do a fundraiser and bring the necessary things to do an afternoon meal. The list is pretty complete and you will find that this is an easy way of getting people comfortable with the tent and getting to know the people they are serving.  It beats coming and just hanging out, as it can be a bit overwhelming if you have never been in the inner city before.

Another way is look at the cost and just send us a check or donate on line.  We are a 501-c3 tax-exempt organization and all donations are used at the outreach and you will get a tax exemption slip at the end of the year for tax purposes.

How else can I serve?

We need people to help us put up and take down the tents, help sack groceries, cook and hand out the burgers and dogs but most of all we need people to pray.

Do you have a need for intercessors?

This is probably one of the most crucial areas of ministry that we are in need of. If your hearts desire were to intercede for us either at the tent or from you home we would love to have you be a part of our front line of defense while we are at the park.

What should I do if I decide to come?

The first thing would be to fill out our mailing list and check the box next to ‘Philadelphia Outreach’ that will put you on our e-mail list for updates. It will also give us a good idea as to how many people we have coming and when.

Who pays for all this, does your church foot the bill?

We are blessed to have churches come alongside of us from time to time who help financially and physically but the primary way we support this work is by those like yourself who have a heart to go and help the widows and orphans. Many of us desire to do this but just don’t know how to get from where they are to where the need is the most.  We try and bridge that gap by offering the church a path back to their roots, in the streets.

How do you minister to the people at the meetings?

You will find it easy to minister to people under the tent.  The pain and suffering are obvious to all, you are in a war zone and the walking wounded are everywhere.  Just ask them if you can pray for them and I have never heard or seen of anyone turned down.

You must remember however that many of them know church lingo to such a degree you will think you are at a church picnic. They have heard the lines over and over and know how to manipulate the church by knowing all the right answers.  Some will just want to argue with you but that is how they have been trained by those in the church who come down to minister on the streets.  Hell and damnation, arguing and yelling are the typical methods that church people have used when they minister on the streets.  Give them a healthy dose of the Father’s heart and it silences all their arguments.

Do you have anything I can show my church or home group concerning what you do?

We have a 6 1/2 minute DVD that shows a little of what we do on the streets. Along with it is some additional information concerning the dates of our next outreach.