The first breakfast at 1209 Chestnut Street was served in mid-2010. The house was owned by the 501c3 non-profit organization, Certain Hope Ministries (CHM). CHM Director, Walter Strathy, used the house as a meeting place to welcome in the community and to share God’s love, peace and hope. The very first breakfast fed about 8 people, including several youth from the area and two residents from the local community shelter.
As the ministry grew, one room of the house was turned into a weight room. A group of young boys, along with several male mentors, gathered on Saturday mornings to lift weights and run. When they returned, Bob Brock would make pancakes for their breakfast. Thus, the breakfast ministry was born.
Today, the 1209 Breakfast Ministry routinely serves 85-120 people each time. Several groups now serve with the ministry including: Covenant Church, Ignite Church, Reimage Church, Koinonia Church and Friends in Fellowship Christian Church.
Mission and Vision:
“Exhibiting Faith, Hope and Love by Nourishing People through the sharing of God’s Word and feeding the hungry.”
The group strives to live into Romans 12:9-13: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Testimonies:
“This is just like a church to me.”
“The reason I would get up to cook at 5:30 am on Saturday morning is to go to 1209”
“What I see at 1209 are faithful servants displaying the steadfast love of God and teaching neighbors about God.”
“God was in the house on this Saturday morning. It was amazing to see hearts touched by His kindness and love. It’s great to see people wanting to hear about the Lord.”
“We hear stories of hope, joy, sadness and shame. But people are opening up and sharing their struggles and successes.”