Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Camden Citizen of the Year

Congratulations to Pastor Ben Alvira, who was named by a local newspaper Camden's 2005 Citizen of the Year. The article provided Ben an opportunity to share not only his ministry to the citizens of Camden, but also his testimony; and knowing Ben, he is bold and unapologetic about God's work in his life. Along with pastoring Tabernaculo de Gracia in the Cramer Hill neighborhood, he is also a crisis counselor at Cooper Hospital, and has been active in tutoring and GED programs for the citizens of Camden. While the ministry of every pastor is worthy of note and appreciation, Pastor Alvira ministers in one of the most impoverished cities in the country, and a city named the most dangerous city for the second year in a row- making his ministry extra challenging. May this extra publicity be used by God to find new opportunities for Ben's ministry and church, and above all may Christ be preached powerfully in word and merciful deed to those in desperate physical and spiritual need in Camden.