A mission moment in Charleston
On upper King Street, across from the Charleston Charter for Math and Science school and surrounded by a changing world of development and gentrification, is a spiritual anchor for the community called Trinity Worldwide Outreach Ministries (TWOM). It is an outreach ministry founded in 1986 by Apostle Herman R. Robinson III, a Charleston native who came back to Charleston to establish a ministry and vision of racial reconciliation and bridging people of all colors to work together for the good of the community.
I came to know Pastor Robinson in 2001 when I joined the Friday morning Bible study at St. Philip's church. Herman, the only black man in the group, stood out more for his spiritual command and direction than for his color, and with our late friend and study leader, Preston Hipp, has been a driving force in the community, from planting ministries to planting crosses.
Things do not just happen, and a lesser man might have given up long ago, but not Herman. In his determination and with his faith, he — along with countless friends and believers — bought and renovated property at 977 King St. in 2002 to plant his ministry. In 2016, TWOM acquired the house next door at 979 King St., which provides a meeting place and rooms for people to stay when they come to town for programs. As his ministry has grown, demands on his time and the need for funding have grown along with it.
In Herman’s own words:
“Serving in the community will always be a big part of our ministries’ goals, whether it is prayer, evangelism, serving, preaching, teaching, construction, renovation or a new venture. Through our ministries, we have been learning new ideas and techniques to expand our reach to those who need it. Today, we want to share with you how we are helping the community and the ways you can get involved.
Every project we develop aims to improve the quality of life of members of the community who need assistance. For example, we work closely with elders in our community who need help beautifying their homes. Depending on the individual’s needs, we provide cleaning services for their carpets and a fresh coat of paint for their walls. We have been blessed with the support of local businessowners who donated paint and labor to beautify the community center at Kings Crossing and the home of one of their residents.
We are also involved in several projects that aim to beautify Charleston by renovating and building houses. Some of the houses we renovate are in a very deteriorated stage, which means that we tear down walls and start over from scratch. We enjoy the hard work because we know the tremendous impact we make in people’s lives. For instance, we are currently helping a loving couple move into their own home. The house was donated by a very kind family. At the time of the donation, the house had damages that made it unsafe for the couple to move into. As leaders in our community, we decided that we could help by providing the necessary repairs and accommodations to help them move in. The husband is disabled so we are making sure the house is designed and built with focus on his needs.
One of our most exciting ventures is JBI, Journey Bible Institute. We are hosting a youth camp that allows kids
to explore Charleston and its surroundings while continuing to take classes to prepare for the next school year. We focus on math, writing and reading classes. We teach them the importance of community work by getting them involved in projects that help members of the community. Our guidance is centered around Christian fellowship and serving God. We make time every day to make time to teach the Word of God.
Projects like these not only help the individuals directly involved but also provide jobs and opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering is highly beneficial because it allows people to learn new skills and helps move people into the workforce. Our ultimate goal is to create a sustainable platform in which members of our community who need assistance can obtain the resources needed to help prevent losing their home. We plan on making every house habitable and provide jobs and opportunities for members of the community.”
Apostle Herman Robinson and his dedicated staff have made great progress but the road goes on and on and every day is a new day to make an impact. Some might say it takes a village but it also takes a vision and a team of committed neighbors and volunteers to encourage the community with love and hope to grow and prosper materially and spiritually. I encourage you to take a walk or drive up King Street and not only see great change but witness a man who believes and practices what he is preaching. If the light shines and feels good to you, maybe you can help Herman and Trinity Worldwide Outreach Ministries in some productive way.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
