MARCUS MARTIN (left), the founder of Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc., offers food and information to a man passing by. The organization provides resources to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those impacted by homelessness and drug addiction.
“Why should there be hunger and deprivation in any land, in any city, at any table, when man has the resources and the scientific know-how to provide all mankind with the basic necessities of life? There is no deficit in human resources. The deficit is in human will.”
These are the words of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With the third Monday in January reserved to honor his indelible impact on equality for all mankind, Grace Beyond Borders took to the streets of East Chicago and Gary to shed light on hunger, poverty and homelessness.
Organization founder Marcus Martin along with a crew of community volunteers passed out meals to the region’s hungry and homeless in the parking lot of the Salvation Army in East Chicago and at the Adam Benjamin Transportation Center in downtown Gary. In addition to nourishment there was prayer and the sharing of information about the resources that Grace Beyond Borders provides.
“Every time we go out to distribute meals in the community, I see it as an opportunity to minister and give a hand up, not a hand out,” said Martin. “Most of the people we connect with want the assistance but struggle with commitment and consistency.”
But this doesn’t stop Martin from his quest to end homelessness. He admits that there is a calling on his life that he can’t ignore.
“I started Grace Beyond Borders almost 9 years ago, and I have seen many sink to unthinkable lows and others rise to go beyond their potential,” said Martin. “We are here for all of their journeys, and if they are willing to do the work to rise out of homelessness, then we will give them the tools and resources they need.”
Martin lamented that the main obstacle is funding. His organization is constant fundraising mode to support the operational fund and hire professional staff.
“We are thankful for the clothing and food donations, but the monetary gift allow us to make a greater impact,” added Martin. “Nevertheless, God always provides.”
To support Grace Beyond Borders through giving or volunteerism, visit www.GraceBeyondBorders.org.
