Compassion Projects Yield More Than 200 Baptisms

Story by LaTasha Hewitt 

As part of Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) commitment to evangelism in 2025, several churches hosted compassion projects—two of them yielding more than 200 baptisms combined.

The Sharon church in Baltimore titled their twoweek series “The Compassion Project: Nights of Inspiration,” led by Shane Francis, pastor of Sharon. The series featured nightly giveaways, including diapers, backpacks, school supplies, groceries, gift cards, gas cards and toiletries. At the conclusion, there were a total of 126 baptisms.

“When we first started, we never imagined this outcome—but the people kept coming, and as they came, so did their desire to surrender their lives to Christ,” says Francis. “I thank the entire team for their incredible work organizing such a powerful and meaningful program that not only shared the Word but also met the [practical] needs of the people.”

In Camden, N.J., the Mount Olivet church hosted an 11-day compassion series in a tent in the parking lot of its church. Partnering with Daniel Hall, a pastor from the South Atlantic Conference, the church formed a plan of action to reach their community. Conklin Gentry, an evangelist for AEC, preached nightly messages, and the giveaways included clothing, sneakers, gift cards, bikes and scooters. At the conclusion of the series, 109 individuals, including young people and adults, were baptized.

“The Compassion Project motivated us for mission, unified us in purpose and diversified and infused us with the lifeblood of the community,” shares Robert Best, pastor of Mount Olivet. “It also strengthened our faith in the promise that God will use simple means to perfect His work of righteousness.”

Church members later formed relationships with the new believers by hosting luncheons and a welcome party where current members were able to greet newly baptized members.

The Sharon and Mt. Olivet churches are two of several churches who participated in the compassion projects throughout the year as part of the evangelism thrust within the AEC.