Bowie church congregation offers assistance to furloughed federal workers

BOWIE, Md. (DC News Now) — As thousands of furloughed federal employees are scrambling to make ends meet during the shutdown, some local Prince George’s churches are lending a hand to help.

Reverend Donna Durham is a minister at Greater Mount Nebo AME church in Bowie. They are offering rental assistance and food, and clothing for those who need help.

“We can get through this, and we as the church are here to help you get through it. We decided to help with the Federal shutdown because the church has always been a place of refuge, and if …the church won’t stand up, then who will?” Durham asked.

Durham says many who need assistance have been contacting the church for help.  And providing love and support is what the congregation at Greater Mount Nebo AME is all about.

“The Bible says if we choose God first, He will supply our needs, so we can’t just say it, we have to be about it. We are choosing God first in this, and we are asking God to supply the needs of the community”.

Mitchellville resident Robert Berry says he was thrilled to hear some churches are ready to help those in need.

“I think it is a blessing because it is needed because there are people out there who need that kind of assistance, and it is a blessing it’s there and available to them”.

The pastoral team at Greater Mount Nebo AME church is encouraging the community to make donations like money, food, and clothing that can help so many who are unemployed.