The focus of the Water Angel Ministries is to change the homeless and the hopeless in Knoxville from the "inside-out". These individuals have to change their hearts, and learn that they cannot serve two masters. In the words of Stephanie Mitchum, founder, "a seed has to be planted, and we let Jesus do the rest".  So far, since April of 2003, the Water Angels have prayed with 137 people to receive Christ. They have also helped over 70 find jobs and get off the streets.

Meeting Times

There is a church service for the homeless on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. at 907 University Avenue. Lunch is served afterwards and clothing, backpacks, toiletries, etc are provided as well. A nurse is normally available there in case there are any minor needs that need to be looked at.

There are 4 different churches that come in and preach the gospel. Pastor LaRon Bailey, of First Baptist Church of Lenore St. in Rockwood preaches the first Sunday.  Pastor Alvin Tallant, of Springview Baptist Church, Maryville, preaches the 2nd, Pastor Steve Ritter, of Cornerstone Christian Church the 3rd, and Pastor Anthony Cannon of New Covenant Baptist, Knoxville, preaches the 4th. 

Different churches come in and provide lunch for them each Sunday. Some of the churches participating in that include First Baptist Concord, Grace Baptist, Cedar Springs Presbyterian, Rocky Hill Baptist, Grace Lutheran, and Johnson Bible College, among others.

Some volunteers at Johnson Bible College and Karen Helton, one of the Water Angels volunteers, have started a children’s service during the sermon for the neighborhood kids & homeless children that come. They receive a short lesson and learn arts & crafts.

Life-changing Classes

On January 31st the Water Angels will be kicking off Celebrate Recovery for the homeless folks & neighborhood folks in the area and try to teach them how to break addiction through Jesus Christ. Two volunteers have already stepped forward to lead a man's addiction class & woman's addiction class. 

A financial recovery class will be offered as well, starting at 12:00 p.m. with lunch.  Churches are welcome to get involved: lunch donations will be needed each Saturday, as well as people interested in leading the main sermon before small groups take place.  There will also be a praise time, so any individual or choir that would like to help out will have the opportunity after lunch. Booking can be done by e-mailing thewaterangels@aol.com.

On January 31st, at 10:30, two members of New Covenant Baptist Church will also teach a detailed budgeting/financial planning class for those who have homes. This is a class intended for people who do not have chemical dependency problems and thus will not be attending Celebrate Recovery; they can come early, eat lunch afterwards and even stay for the praise and worship time if they like.

Another class in the making is a job training class. The Water Angels will be teaching things like resume writing and interview skills. They are currently talking to employment staffers in order to have guest speakers come and help.  Upon completion of the course, students will receive a free "makeover" which will include haircut and interview clothing. This class will also be put on by New Covenant & First Baptist Concord and will be announced at a later date once dates have been set.

They Can Use Your Help!

Some churches have expressed a need for teaching a life skill or bible study course. The Water Angels are open for any church to get involved in this way or in any other capacity. If you can teach a class during the day between 9-11 or 1-4, let them know. Their building will be available for such classes, and they feel that this is important, since the homeless and hopeless can have a chance to learn to grow spiritually and become stronger Christians, thus becoming stronger families.

An immediate needs list is available at the Water Angel Ministries site at http://www.waterangels.org/needs.htm

Location

Water Angel Ministries is located at 8771 Lakeland Drive Knoxville, TN  37771.

If you would like more information about Angelic Ministries or would like to make a contribution contact Stephanie Mitchum at (865) 988-6870 or by e-mail at TheWaterAngels@aol.com.