"The Lord's really blessing us, and we're just holding on to his coattails."

Phil Newton, Executive Director of Southside Mission, entered into the Matt Friedeman Show ministry spotlight to talk about how Southside Mission is changing the community of Peoria Illinois.

Talk to us about Southside Mission.

We try to share Christ with the poor in tangible ways they can feel Christ's love.

How do you do that?

We're going to do fifty projects this year where we work on houses all to the glory of God.

Who does this?

We've got the Metro Peoria Baptist association.

We've got a whole bunch of contractors.

Then we work with home centers that are willing to donate roof shingles, siding, etc.

How do you know that what Southside Mission is doing is actually working?

We hear from a lot of the alumni from Southside Mission.

A lot of them will come back and help us out in terms of volunteering.

We also have a lot of graduates from our jobs school...who are out working in the field.

You probably need a lot of government money, right?

Zero!

Our board of directors made the decision years ago not to accept any money from the government or United Way.

We're having a fantastic year. The Lord has us $300,000 above budget this year on a $3.5 million budget.

Phil, when you look out there at the many things you do, what seems to be working the best?

The Lord's really blessing us, and we're just holding on to his coattails.

What warms my heart the most is just seeing these homeless ladies who come to us strung out on drugs...thinking the world has given up on them...just seeing them living the blessed life, the abundant life in Christ.

What in people's background has damaged them?

If they're living without Christ, they're living without hope.

If you can just introduce them to our Lord, so much can change.

Do y'all do twelve-step programs?

We sure do.

We partner with a lot of great Christian ministries in the area.

We work with a lot of Celebrate Recovery programs.

We have job-training programs that will help them.

If that person has a spark to succeed, we'll turn that spark into a bonfire.

What keeps people volunteering?

It's just a fun place to volunteer. We have a blast down here.

We give people the opportunity to live their mission right here on the Southside of Peoria.

Today a lot of biblical Christians are taking the poor seriously.

If you're going to take the literal view of (the Bible), you have to take (the poor) seriously.

It's not an option to take the poor seriously. It's a necessity.

What's the best way to stay active in a ministry like this?

Well, you have  to take a very big picture.

There are going to be some battles you lose.

There are some women who leave the mission.

It's that daily, taking the 50,000 foot view of things, taking the big picture.

At the same time - it's kind of a paradox - you have to look at the here and now.

When you're looking out at your ministry, what are the biggest difficulties, outside of money?

Faith. Number one. If you take care of that part, everything else will come.

Faith and wisdom. I'm so thankful for the board of director for Southside Mission.

How long have y'all been in business, Phil?

Since 1925.

What would you say to someone who wants to start a ministry like yours?

Well, Matt, I have opportunities to meet with people who are trying to start up ministries all the time.

While you're still small, you can stay personally connected to all your donors.

There are some great things about being small and start-up.

Don't be afraid to start small.