On the Outside

by | Sep 19, 2025 | Missions

During TBC’s mission trip to New Orleans, volunteers served breakfast to the unhoused—both inside and outside. Among brokenness and shame, God’s grace still reached the outcast, reminding us that what is impossible with man is possible with God.

Breakfast served seven days a week to the unhoused of New Orleans inside the St Jude Community Center. For many it is an opportunity to eat, receive 3 items of clothing, find respect, love and fellowship and hear about other available resources.

 

All are welcomed, EXCEPT those who have broken rules inside Grace at the Greenlight and have been expelled. Once expelled; always expelled. However, Grace abounds in the fact they still receive breakfast on the outside. They are patrolled and separated from the privileged unhoused, much like the goats from the sheep.

 

During TBC’s Mission Trip to New Orleans, Bernie Pegram served on the outside. She was charged with the task to give the expelled unhoused their breakfasts. Some received their breakfast without any eye contact. Others took theirs in a grab-and-run fashion. Brokenness. Shame. Outcast. Hopeless. Living on the Outside comes at such a high cost. Is there any hope to ever be accepted again on the “sheep” side of the crowd? Beyond that, is there any hope for restoration of body, soul, mind and spirit? In the words of Christ,

 

“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
-Written by Stephanie Johnson

Blog Provided By:

Dr. Randy McKinney

Dr. Randy McKinney

Dr. Randy McKinney serves as Associate Pastor for Missions and Senior Adults, helping Trinity connect with mission opportunities and care for senior adults through discipleship and service. A lifelong member of Trinity, Randy returned to the church in 2024 after over 30 years in ministry across North Carolina. He finds joy in helping others use their gifts to serve and in walking alongside senior adults in faith. He and his wife, Karen, have two grown daughters.