BRYAN, Ohio — Back in January, Pastor Chris Avell was charged for housing the homeless in his church, Dad's Place. Filled with passion, Avell explains why he isn't feeling guilty.
"This is how I worship my God," sobbed a distressed Avell. "And I want to be able to worship my God. "
It seems other ministries in Bryan agree with him.
Bryan First Assembly of God took it one step further and hosted a fundraiser for Dad's Place Church.
"I heard everything going on with Dad's Place. Me and my family wanted to help in some way," said Jordan Manning, a local from Bryan. "It started out as a little meal and it turned into something bigger than what it was."
Cooking a hot meal for the community is two-fold. The meal is helping to create unity and lift spirits, while at the same time money is being raised for Dad's Place Church and the furthering of Avell's mission.
"I've been here for 4 years. I've appreciated the sense of community here," said Sam Luthi, Lead Pastor of Bryan First Assembly of God Church. "The body of Christ coming together for a cause."
Despite the current legal actions, Avell says he wants to continue helping the homeless. And for the people of Bryan, they say there is nothing wrong with that.
"Anyone who is trying to help the lost, the hurting, the broken, the homeless, how can we not rally around them? And support them? And help them further the work they are doing in this community?" said Luthi.
Manning agreed.
"I Like what the pastor there is doing helping people who are in need," said Manning. "I've wanted to help people my entire life. And that's our job as Christians. "
It seems Avell's work is creating a safe space for everyone.
"It brings our community closer together. Let's people know they are not alone," said Manning. "And not only do we have them behind their back, they've got God walking with them. "
Since the pastor was charged, he has filed a temporary restraining order against the City of Bryan.
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