![]() What began as a “Pack a Sack” initiative in 2008 that sent home nutritional food packages to a few dozen low-income students on weekends is now feeding some 200 families with 400 children every week. ![]() Students from food-insecure homes needed an outlet to receive prepared meals more than ever, so volunteers in the Nourishing Lives network worked closely with school districts to ensure a continuation of services. The program - with a mission to “feed, lead and read” - was in greater demand because of school closures. ![]() Peytyn Tobin, New Horizon’s associate pastor and the nonprofit’s executive director. The church also saw a spike in its very successful Nourishing Lives ministry, founded by the Rev. … Our plan from the beginning was to motivate our members to get more involved in ministries outside our own four walls.” - Rev. “There were so many opportunities for evangelization. It means more space for storage, gatherings, ministries and community outreach programs. The new building means no more cramming into triple-wide trailers or setting up temporary cubicle space for staff and ministries in the main sanctuary. ![]() The funds also helped pay off a 2011 foundation loan. 26 dedication of its newly built mission building, a 5,000-square foot space made possible by a $1.4 million loan from the Florida United Methodist Foundation’s Development Fund and a $750,00 pledge campaign by church members. While many churches stalled during the pandemic, Vigil says New Horizon has been energized.Īmong its accomplishments was the Sept. With hard work and strong leadership, that vision has taken shape at New Horizon, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The mission, as he saw it, was an active congregation taking God’s message and work into the community. Vigil believed putting the emphasis on congregational growth alone was not enough. He is also board chairperson for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. He and his wife, Amy, the parents of three sons, have gone to the Dominican Republic in the summers since 2001 to serve in an orphanage. That included priorities of special interest to Vigil: children, youth and young adults. Our plan from the beginning was to motivate our members to get more involved in ministries outside our own four walls.” “But the outreach wasn’t as robust as it should have been. “There were so many opportunities for evangelization,” he said. With all that, Vigil saw greater possibilities for the church’s ministry. Its location - in fast-growing Broward County northwest of Miami - guaranteed a diverse local population comprised of suburbanites fleeing the cities, newly transplanted immigrants and families. Membership at the mid-sized church on the eastern edge of the Everglades was consistent. ![]() “I saw a church with a lot of potential, but mediocre energy,” he said. He wasn’t quite as familiar with his new church family, and from his first impressions, he knew they had some challenges ahead of them. As a Dade County native and graduate of Miami Sunset High School, he knew the area well. Rafe Vigil arrived at New Horizon United Methodist Church in Southwest Ranches in 2014 to become its new pastor, it felt like coming home. ![]()
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