How it all started...
It began with the obedience of two men, Robert Shuemake and Leon Birdd.
Robert, older and unsteady due to five brain surgeries, had a heart for the homeless and was led to share the gospel and serve coffee and donuts on the streets of Dallas each week. One day while driving, Leon noticed this wobbly gentleman walking down the road, and the Holy Spirit told him to pick the man up and give him a ride. Leon resisted initially, but the still, small voice continued, and soon he surrendered. Robert shared his story of love and compassion for those in need, and the strangers became friends.
Robert invited Leon to join him at 5:30 a.m. the following Saturday, but Leon declined. So then, early Saturday morning, Leon awoke to wonder if Robert might be waiting for him. Surely, not! But as Leon drove by Roberts's house, he was waiting at the curb with five gallons of coffee ready to go.
As they arrived downtown, there were no people, so they waited. Eventually, the people started to come one by one. As weeks passed and Robert's health declined, Leon asked him, "what happens when you can't do this anymore, who will do it?" Robert said, "You will." But Leon replied, "no, seriously, you need to find someone else." Robert again said, "you'll do it."
Robert, older and unsteady due to five brain surgeries, had a heart for the homeless and was led to share the gospel and serve coffee and donuts on the streets of Dallas each week. One day while driving, Leon noticed this wobbly gentleman walking down the road, and the Holy Spirit told him to pick the man up and give him a ride. Leon resisted initially, but the still, small voice continued, and soon he surrendered. Robert shared his story of love and compassion for those in need, and the strangers became friends.
Robert invited Leon to join him at 5:30 a.m. the following Saturday, but Leon declined. So then, early Saturday morning, Leon awoke to wonder if Robert might be waiting for him. Surely, not! But as Leon drove by Roberts's house, he was waiting at the curb with five gallons of coffee ready to go.
As they arrived downtown, there were no people, so they waited. Eventually, the people started to come one by one. As weeks passed and Robert's health declined, Leon asked him, "what happens when you can't do this anymore, who will do it?" Robert said, "You will." But Leon replied, "no, seriously, you need to find someone else." Robert again said, "you'll do it."
Robert has gone home to be with Jesus, and Pastor Leon has been loving on and serving the broken people on the streets of Dallas since 1995. Servants Of oUr Lord - S.O.U.L. Church believes the strongest message you can give to a dying world is a living Savior, the Lord Christ Jesus.
Who we are...
Servants Of oUr Lord - S.O.U.L. Church Dallas is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit.
We have no roof
We have no walls
But under His Wings
We have refuge
We are a mobile church and can be found on Sunday, rain, or shine, gathering for worship and church services with our homeless family reaching out to a lost world with the Good News about Jesus. We are a church of the haves and have-nots.
We have no roof
We have no walls
But under His Wings
We have refuge
We are a mobile church and can be found on Sunday, rain, or shine, gathering for worship and church services with our homeless family reaching out to a lost world with the Good News about Jesus. We are a church of the haves and have-nots.
What's different...
We meet our people right where they are...on the streets of Dallas.
We are bridging the gap between our expectations and where they come from.
We intentionally listen to understand their values, needs, desires, pain, and traumatic experiences.
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Be kind.
Always.
- Brad Meltzer
We are bridging the gap between our expectations and where they come from.
We intentionally listen to understand their values, needs, desires, pain, and traumatic experiences.
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Be kind.
Always.
- Brad Meltzer
The Kings Closet
The Kings Closet provides hygiene and gently used clothing items for everyday needs.
Aftercare
When the time comes for our people to transition from the streets into a safe environment of their own, we can provide donated furniture, pictures, dishes, and other much needed household items to help them start their new journey.
SOUL Shared Food Ministry
SOUL Shared Food Ministry serves thousands of people through numerous ministries, recovery, and transitional houses, individuals, and families, elderly, veterans, and disabled from thirteen counties all over the Dallas/Ft Worth area with free food, necessities, and resources. We are committed to improving the quality of life and restoring the dignity of those we serve. Our vision is to ensure that no one goes hungry, that no food is wasted, and no one is denied the opportunity or assistance to become self-sufficient.
Where we are headed...
"Fortunately, God made various people with various interests and abilities. He has called people of every race and color who have been hurt by life in every manner imaginable. Even the scars of past abuse and injury can be the means of bringing healing to another. What wonderful opportunities to make disciples!"
Charles R. Swindoll
Charles R. Swindoll
Discipleship is a significant component of the spiritual growth of our unhoused community. S.O.U.L. Church is a melting pot of brokenness. We come together as the body of Christ, bringing the Good News to our downtown family, and we celebrate their newfound life in Jesus. Jesus said: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you." Our direction is to stand side by side and walk the walk with our family, to teach the scriptures, encourage, and listen. In the New Testament, Paul had a spiritual son, Timothy, and a friend who encouraged him, Barnabas. Everyone needs (1) a Paul investing in them, (2) a Barnabas to walk with, and (3) a Timothy you are investing in.
Discipleship is saying yes to Jesus and following Him, no matter the cost. It's not about qualifications but about surrender. The Disciples had no clue what was in store for them or how they would change the world, yet they dropped everything and said yes! Through prayer, Jesus learned the will of God and was led by the Holy Spirit to follow it. Jesus built intentional long-term relationships with a few. They lived with him, they journeyed with him and became more like him. Jesus equipped them to be disciple-making disciples through a mentoring process, and the Kingdom of God grew exponentially. As his disciples these days, we obey his command to make disciples and follow his pattern, to seek the will of God, build intentional relationships, and mentor others to become disciple-makers. Jesus made this our responsibility.