On a Local Mission

By Fred Mitchell

Tuesday nights are usually a time for people to recollect what they did over the weekend and move on with their week. Most acts done on Tuesday nights are about self-improvement or self-entertainment. Whether you go to the gym after work or go see a discounted movie at The Marketplace, it’s all about you.

The same cannot be said for Beth Kliewer and her husband Steve. The couple have always been a shining example of selflessness and commitment to the community.

After being missionaries overseas for years in multiple countries, the two decided that there were plenty of missions to be done right in their hometown of Bakersfield.

Seven years ago they came across a group called Lift that was providing homeless/underprivileged kids with after school programs helping them with homework and extracurricular activities. They had even broader intentions for the group. They made a commitment that every Tuesday night they would gather a group of willing and able individuals to serve the homeless food and provide them with relationships and love.

Soon the word got out about the group providing food and the food inspectors were on the scene. Although some might think of this as an obstacle, it was actually a blessing in disguise. They would pass the food inspection and not only did they pass but the inspector offered to provide the group with government programs for free HIV testing, medical insurance, and much more.

It seems as though God is smiling down on this group for their efforts and every Tuesday for seven years they haven’t missed a meal.