A new outreach ministry called Ignite based at Bethel AME Church is putting “boots on the ground” to meet urgent community needs.
The efforts being spearheaded by First Lady Rev. Angie Crawford-Cox, along with the church’s women and other supporters, will provide short-term assistance to those who live both inside and outside of the City of Columbia’s Shandon community.
Ignite will provide emergency help to families in the event of a house fire or similar disaster. The initiative’s other forms of support will include, but will not be limited to, evangelism, food assistance, transportation to medical appointments, mental health, substance abuse, domestic abuse, trauma referral services, clothing assistance, employment assistance, spiritual renewal, and housing referrals.
“I wholeheartedly support this endeavor and believe that the favor of the Lord is upon it,” said Rev. Bobby Cox, Bethel-Columbia’s recently assigned pastor. “Our church’s charge is to serve this present age, and this ministry represents just one thing we pray Bethel becomes known for in this community. We want our neighbors to know that we are here for them—that we take seriously our responsibility as our brother’s keeper. Our partnerships will bless those receiving the help, but they will make us all better.”
“Rev. Angie,” as Bethel’s First Lady is affectionately called, has coined the theme “Broken Crayons, Still Color” for this initiative. She is personally challenging project team members to gear up and push—more than they may think possible— by extending themselves to help others
excited to be in community with the other grantees and to foster partnerships across the nonprofit sector, because we know that collaboration is key to our greatest achievements.”
As the City of Columbia’s partner for cultural development, One Columbia coordinates public art installations, promotes local events, and maintains critical resources for artists and cultural organizations. The organization has played a leading role in transforming public spaces and nurturing creative talent throughout the region. One Columbia is excited to continue its work in elevating arts and culture as a vital part of Columbia’s identity. This grant will allow the organization to enhance its initiatives and further its goal of making Columbia a vibrant, creative hub for residents and visitors alike. About One Columbia for Arts and Culture
One Columbia for Arts and Culture promotes and enhances the vitality of arts and culture within Columbia, SC, through collaboration, resources, and community engagement. It fosters a connected and thriving creative community that enriches the city’s quality of life. To learn more about the organization, visit OneColumbiaSC.com
who may be less fortunate or experiencing a crisis. The program’s efforts are aligned with God’s call in James 2:17, a clear reminder that faith without works is dead and useless.
According to the First Lady, the ministry underscores the idea that serving others, especially those in need, personifies Christ himself. She said, “I think about Matthew 25:40: “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Rev. Angie, a born leader, advocate, and humanitarian, is no stranger to outreach service and has humbly yielded to the call to follow Jesus and become a fisher of men. The prayers, nurturing, and Godly example of her grandmother, Beatrice Crawford, helped cultivate that call. Together, the pair spent many days in her hometown of Eufaula, Alabama, caring for the sick and witnessing about God’s goodness to those who would listen.
Before arriving at Bethel AME-Columbia, Rev. Angie was a member of Mt. Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church in Towson, Maryland. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. Her love and passion for missionary work have
taken her as far away as the continent of Africa, where she helped build a mission clinic in South Africa. She has raised $14,000 for Jars of Hope for South Africa and provided 2,000 toothbrushes and 600 pairs of glasses for the 15th Episcopal District and Bread for the World. Additionally, she has worked with Apples for Cure and raised over $10,000 for Rural Mission projects.
This woman has an unshakeable faith in God’s power to heal, as she is a miracle. In 2008, she was diagnosed with lung disease and given a fatal diagnosis by the most sought-after pulmonary specialist in Alabama. Refusing to believe the diagnostic report, Rev. Angie walked out of his office and ran to her faith and God’s Word (Isaiah 55:3), her insurance policy.
“Broken Crayons, Still Color,” under the IGNITE umbrella, will serve as a catalyst for change by positively impacting the lives of individuals and families. Church members look forward to hearing from people in the community who need assis-
