About Our Ministry

First Refuge Ministries is a faith-based 501(c)3 non-profit and para-church ministry that exists for the sake of the Gospel and the good of those in need. We do this by supplying medical services, dental services, professional counseling, and food to individuals and families.

Our Mission

To offer hope by supplying relief, aid, and care for physical and emotional suffering in Denton County.

Our Vision

To see generous contributions supply those in need, thanksgivings overflow, confessions in the Gospel of Christ, and Denton County glorify God.

The Heart of Our Mission and Vision

We base our ministry mission and vision around a New Testament theme known as “the collection for the saints” (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8-9), also known as the “Jerusalem donation” (Rom. 15:25-26, 31).

The collection for the saints was a multi-church effort and project organized by many different 1st-century churches, and Christ followers to bring relief to the poor in Jerusalem and Judea that were suffering and experiencing a famine that occurred around 45-46 AD (Acts 11:27-30).

The Apostle Paul’s first mission was to preach the gospel (Acts 9:15; 1 Cor. 1:17; Gal.2:9; Eph. 3:7-8), and secondly, he devoted himself to the relief effort of the poor (Gal. 2:10). This effort and ministration of relief and aid (ref. Rom. 15:25) was primarily in obedience to the teachings of Christ to take care of the poor (Mat. 25:34-40; Luke 12:33). Which the early church practiced after Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37, 6:1-6).

Paul devoted much of his life’s work to seeking to relieve the poor, and he even gave his life for it by journeying to Jerusalem to deliver it. After delivering the aid, he was arrested and imprisoned and, a number of years later, executed by the emperor Nero (Acts 21:4, 11-15, 30-34; 2nd Timothy 4:6-8).

This effort of relief and aid by the New Testament church was a diverse and multi-church effort. In a similar way, First Refuge Ministries is represented by diverse workers from serval different churches. Just as the church of Antioch sought to bring relief to the needy on their own door step (Acts 11:27-30), First Refuge Ministries seeks to do the same. Working to bring relief, aid and care to those own door step in Denton County.

Therefore our mission and vision are centered on the same missional focus as the early church and the Apostles. Which is to preach the gospel and care for those in need.

Our Founding Mission Verse

Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV)

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Our Vision Verse

2 Corinthians 9:12-13 (ESV)

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.

History

2012

Ministry founded by Jeff Williams after a community assessment determined social service needs in Denton
Food Pantry begins

2013

Medical Clinic begins
Counseling begins

2014

Services expand to Dental through collaboration with Denton Bible Church at Denton Dental Mission

2015

First Annual Gala

2016

Became a clinical site for TWU for dental hygiene students
First Mustache Dash

2017

Denton Dental Mission becomes First Refuge Dental
Second food pantry opens at Heritage Oaks

2018

Medical Clinic begins offering no-cost well woman exams
Became a clinical site for NCTC nursing students

2019

First Refuge Sanger established, offering medical, counseling, and food services through a collaboration between Texas Health Resources, Sanger ISD, and First Baptist Church Sanger

2020

Pop-up Food Sites established at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Towne North Baptist Church, and Christian Center Assembly of God Church in Krum.
School Grocery Store established inside Linda Tutt High School in Sanger.

2021

Community Strong Farm
School Grocery Store established inside North Texas Community College in Gainesville.

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