N.C. Department of
Correction--Correction News--February 1998
Polk's good Samaritan
Raleigh - When Jesus fed the multitudes
with two fish and five loaves of bread, he showed us that a lot
of love can make a little go a long way.
| Phillip Brickle, a second shift
correctional officer at Polk Youth Institution, embraced
this philosophy; and what began with a pot of chili and
nine people feeding a few homeless, has become a
coalition of churches and concerned individuals feeding
and clothing hundreds of homeless. "We made a pot of chili and with nine other
people, fed as many as we could," Brickle said.
"That was last October. Things really took off after
that; so much so that we began to feed bi-monthly. There
are 59 people from my church alone who help."
Brickle, who is a member of Elevation
Baptist Church in Raleigh, is now advisor to a group of
approximately five churches, collectively called A Ray of
Hope Ministry. Through this ministry, Brickle said they
are able to feed and clothe hundreds of homeless people.
|
 Through his church,
Correctional Officer Phillip Brickle
offers comfort and care to those in need.
|
"October 25, 1997, was the first Ray of
Hope feeding. We served over 150 people in the homeless
community," Brickle said. At a recent Ray of Hope feeding
held Dec. 6, the ministry came together again at a community park
on Blount Street in Raleigh. They provided clothes, food, more
than 200 wrapped Christmas presents and words of comfort for the
area homeless.
Brickle stated that anyone can participate in
this cause to help the homeless. According to Brickle, the next
event will take place on Feb. 28.
In addition to park feedings, Brickle is also
actively involved in providing transportation for the homeless to
church services and Bible study. He even participated in a
sleep-in at one of the local shelters in Raleigh to see how the
homeless live.
When asked why he was so actively involved with
the homeless, Brickle said, "My love for God says we should
serve the poor. There's a fragile line between where they are and
where we are. We may need such help one day."
Learning from the lesson of the two fish and
the five loaves, Brickle has touched the lives of many who are
less fortunate and has provided a very meaningful service to his
fellow man. Brickle carries this concern for others wherever he
goes. It is nice to know that such a civic- minded and caring
individual is part of the Department of Correction team.
NC DOC Correction News- February 1998
NC Department of Correction News
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