Haven of Rest Ministries, Inc., located at 62 North Ave. in Owego, N.Y., a non-profit organization, has worked over the course of the last three years to become a safe environment for people. Open the front door and walk in, and the comfortable and inviting space welcomes people to share conversation and receive encouragement.
Pastor Bob Harris explained, “We like to call it a street ministry, and not a church,” adding, “People can get off the streets and feel safe here.”
A non-denominational Bible-based ministry, visitors can pull up a chair and listen to hymns, or watch or read Christian movies and literature.
A sample of scheduled events includes a community prayer held on Tuesday’s from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and a Friday night Bible Study with refreshments starting at 6 p.m. A popular event on Thursday’s is the weekly chilidogs and movie time from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
On any given day, Harris said that 20 or more people stop by, and more come during events. He estimated that last year alone the total number of visitors was in the thousands.
Harris is genuinely pleased that outreach efforts are working. A weekly men’s addiction meeting called “Freedom through Christ” was recently started.
A beautiful wall mural greets visitors, and which has become a focal point inside the facility.
The mural was painted by local artist, Alissa Goodrich, a 2016 Newark Valley graduate. Goodrich creates art during her free time when she’s not working, and among many activities mentioned that she has enjoyed helping at the crafts tent during the Newark Valley Apple Festival.
When Goodrich learned that Haven of Rest was interested in a waterfall-themed mural to cover up a hole in a wall where a small banner had been temporarily hung, she said she started to design, “Out of the goodness of my heart.”
Goodrich, inspired by her own vision, went to work earlier this year creating a six foot wide by eight foot high piece that depicts water pouring out of a vessel and into cupped hands. In the background, Goodrich painted ever-flowing water.
The project, Goodrich remarked, took about four months to complete, and said, “My vision for it was to be comforting and homey.”
Harris shared that the mural offers a symbol of hope for many, and has evolved into a gathering place for people to pull up chairs and pray under.
Haven of Rest receives assistance via donations, and most coming from six local churches and other non-profits.
The positive efforts have resulted in an expansion.
Haven of Rest has outgrown the space at 62 North Ave., and is transforming 64 North Ave. by cleaning, painting and other tasks. Many will remember the property as the former Lynn’s Drug Store, and more recently an antiques and collectible store.
Harris said that 64 North Ave. will soon serve as their Sunday Worship Center, and, in turn, will utilize current space for Sunday school sessions.
Harris, a long-time resident of the county, explained that he held Bible studies for two years at the well-known Harris Diner just a short walk up North Avenue, and owned by his brother, Sam, before the group moved into its current location. Pastor Bob previously hosted several tent revival events and was involved at Sword and the Spirit Christian Fellowship in Owego. In addition, Pastor Bob and his wife ministered and lived in Tanzania, Africa for several years.
Haven of Rest, which takes its name from a popular hymn, is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals interested in stopping by will find a placard street sign set up near the front entrance.
The public is invited to a special event, “Kid’s Fall Faith, Food & Fun Day,” which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Haven of Rest.
For more information or to ask questions, call (607) 972-7625.
Bobby is a great man and friend to all the type that would give you the vary shirt off his back just so you could be comfortable. Him and his wife Sherry are both great lovers of Christ. They always make everyone feel more then welcome. And try to encourage and give there wisdom no matter what the problem is.