BALM for Baltimore: Multiplying Leaders Through Works of Mercy & Justice
Project Final Push -
Renovating the Salaam Center’s Second Floor
“And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. ”
Project Final Push was a BALM for Baltimore service project to help renovate the second floor and courtyard of the Salaam Center. From its strategic Highlandtown location, Baltimore’s Salaam Center has served Arabic-speaking refugees and immigrants from many nations since 2016.
Over two dozen hardy, hard-working saints labored April 14 & 15,2023, smashing walls and ceilings, tearing up ceramic tile, shoveling debris, and loading trailers for the dump. They gutted the one-hundred-plus-year-old second floor, saving thousands of dollars in renovation costs. This paved the way for professionals to install new sheetrock, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and fixtures over the next 10 months. BALM continued to help raise funds for this project until the entire $100,000 project was completed!
Churches supporting this project include Abbott Memorial Presbyterian, Bay Area Community Church, ChurchOne, City of Hope Presbyterian, Columbia Presbyterian, Covenant of Grace Church, Faith Christian Fellowship, Freedom Church, Living Hope Presbyterian, Loch Raven Presbyterian, New Song Community Church, Open Door Presbyterian, Pleasant View Baptist, Safe Harbor Presbyterian, and others.
The Salaam Center welcomes many people displaced from many Middle Eastern or North African countries and is now reaching out to Afghan arrivals, as well. Most of the 250+ families served recently have spent several years in refugee camps, and some of the children were born in those difficult conditions. The Center also welcomes international students and those seeking medical treatment at nearby Johns Hopkins Hospital.
In 2021, the Lord made it possible for the Salaam Center to purchase the building next door to the existing storefront. Although structurally sound, it was in disrepair and required extensive renovations. We praise God for individuals and churches who provided the funds to complete the renovations.
Project Final Push crew members with Joe Steinitz and Salaam Center founder Reda Narooz (kneeling at right)
MBS student T. Rogers having a smashing good time.
Volunteer Opportunities with Baltimore Sports Academy
BALM partners with Baltimore Sports Academy, which provides boys from economically disadvantaged families access to high-level sports training and customized tutoring to excel as student-athletes and be prepared to make a successful transition into adulthood.
BSA joins with schools, sports organizations, and churches to extend the love of God to urban youth. Help invest in the next generation of leaders by assisting with tutoring, sports, or other support roles! To learn more, visit Baltimore Sports Academy.
Spring Plunge and Party in the Park with RUF and Abbott Memorial Church
BALM partnered with students at UM-College Park and UMBC for a Spring Plunge at Abbott Memorial Presbyterian Church in 2022. During their spring break, students did clean-out work at the church, toured the neighborhood, learned from BALM's urban practitioners, and helped throw a great neighborhood party. This resulted in spiritual fruit in their lives and much joy for the church and Highlandtown community. Photo: Students from Reformed University Fellowship at UMD College Park (led by Chris Garriott) & UMBC (led by Trip Beans)
Previous BALM for Baltimore Service Projects
MBS@Freedom Church Renovations
BALM helped launch Metro Baltimore Seminary in 2019, and designed, sponsors, and oversees two Master of Divinity programs. In July, 2020, BALM spearheaded the renovation of a second site: MBS@Freedom Church in northeast Baltimore. BALM also raised $20,000 for the renovations and student scholarships!
BALM’s First Mercy-Justice Project
BALM’s Fall 2019 workday with New Song Community Church transformed a vacant lot into a beautiful green space. This new park was a special blessing to Sandtown in West Baltimore during the Covid-19 lockdown. This video from photographer and Metro Baltimore Seminary student Julian Hague captures the event.
“Our green space has given kids a safe place to play, and neighbors to sit and look at nice trees and flowers instead of the once-overgrown lot...
As Dr. Wilson said, we are showing our neighbors that we care about the neighborhood, our neighbors, and their lives! This can be a great starting point for a conversation about the Church and Jesus!” —Elder Ryan Diener, New Song Community Churc