Humble Beginnings: The History of We Can Ministries-Phase I
We Can Ministries was founded in 1998 by Pastor Annie Lewis as an outreach of Trinity Temple in Columbus, Georgia. Pastor Lewis had a passion for children and those who were less fortunate. As a result, the LORD impressed upon her heart to minister to the children in the neighborhood playground of E.K. Garrett Apartments in Phenix City, Alabama. After a couple years, she was invited into Ms. Dorothy Gamble's, mother of two of the children to whom she ministered, apartment. At this time, Pastor Lewis and her husband Willie Lewis would use of their own resources to fund trips, school supplies, and other outreach activities.
Moving Forward-Phase II
Soon after, We Can Ministries began to hold services in a double-wide trailer built directly across the street from E.K. Garrett apartments. Despite opposition from a few locals and resistance to sell the land, We Can Ministries began to minister to the community for which it was sent. Though outreach had begun even without the building, We Can now had a place to house the food and clothing bank it desired. It now housed classes for GED tutoring and its summer reading program. During these eight years, We Can Ministries added more outreach to the youth with annual youth trips, block parties, Girls Retreats and Back to School bashes to name a few.
Progressing-Phase III
Favor certainly isn't fair. In 2009, We Can Ministries was blessed to have its church building erected completely debt free with generous donations of money, labor, and materials from local families and building companies. Thanks to these special people, We Can was able to have a beautiful church building with clothing and food banks stored in house, fully -equipped kitchen, Pastor's study and office, and nursery. To God be the glory!