Our Story/Our Vision

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This ministry started in 2014 when Richard and Sharman Jackson had a simple desire: to provide meal and fellowship once a week to the homeless in Boise Idaho. Initially, they offered peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with a banana, which they delivered to the streets. They relied on donations from local stores whenever possible but personally covered the costs for items they couldn’t obtain as donations. Within a few months, they expanded the operation and provided hot meals. They gathered with some friends in their home kitchen and began preparing 100 breakfast burritos every Saturday morning. During this period, the ministry was known as “In Love.”

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   In 2017, Richard and Sharman felt a new calling from the Lord. Team member, Jillian Hanes, was willing to take over the ministry, ensuring its continuity. Consequently, in September of that year, the name of the ministry was changed to “Open Hand, Open Heart.” The ministry continued to rely on donated food and money to serve the homeless in Boise. In the spring of 2018, the named was changed to “Street Campus” and began to use the food preparation facilities of Life Church Boise where it was a well-known ministry.

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In 2019, the ministry and its calling were passed on to Jen and Dave Sexton, who graciously accepted the responsibility. Under their leadership and blessing, the ministry has continued to grow and expand. In 2022, with a desire to do even more for the homeless, we established a nonprofit organization, “Bridge to Life Ministries Limited.” The ministry now serves over 200 burritos on Saturday mornings and provides essential items such as coats, gloves, toiletries, personal hygiene products, backpacks, blankets, clothing, and more to the community. The ministry purchased a 15-passenger van to transport homeless individuals to and from church services on Sundays and Wednesday s and we are blessed with a growing team of over 50 dedicated volunteers.

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   Our future plans involve continuing to expand the ministry by establishing a Christ-centered shelter that can offer three meals a day, every day, and provide a safe haven from the elements. The shelter would include a commercial kitchen, dining area, computer room, tv room, laundry facilities, daycare services, vocational training, a thrift store, and other needed services. Our ultimate objective is to help people acquire new skills, regain their independence, and return to the community as contributing members. We aspire to show God’s love by providing individuals a hand up, rather than just a handout. We strive to instill a sense of self-worth and individual value in each person we serve.

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