Bible on Tap touches multiple generations with service projects that include college scholarships and home improvements that keep elderly church members safe.
It started as opportunity for men to connect, share a meal and grab a beer.
Today, Bible on Tap is a fellowship group that touches multiple generations with service projects that include college scholarships and home improvements that keep elderly church members safe.
"Whatever you put into it is what you'll get out of it. It's what we're called to do — to serve others," says Dave Tester, who co-founded the group in 2012 at Marietta's Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with fellow church member Chris Winkler.
It didn't take long for those who gathered regularly to realize that to reach their goals of purpose and service, they needed to help others and, in that way, help themselves.
"Most men just go to work and go home," says Chris. "They don't do much to take care of themselves mentally. We wanted to work together to change this and help our community in the process."
The group's ideals are encompassed by this quote from the Bible, according to Chris and Dave:
"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1st John 3:17-18)
Bible on Tap's first project was providing a bus for the church's youth group. Members found a used bus from another church and raised $12,000 to purchase it. Bible on Tap also provides yearly insurance and maintenance on the bus. It's now used by anyone at the church who needs it.
Members next installed running water, electricity, ceiling fans and lights to the church pavilion. The group soon began to help elderly members who needed help with yard clean ups, power washing and other maintenance. Bible on Tap helped a wheelchair bound member by replacing damaged flooring from a broken dishwasher and installing a chairlift into the staircase. One widower whose husband died suddenly required help with several unfinished home projects. A group of 15 men finished the projects in one weekend.
Bible on Tap partners with The Extension, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Marietta, doing building repairs and yard work, serving meals, and toiletries and other supplies. It also provides financial and volunteer support to other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Legion, plus awards a four-year, $500 annual scholarship to a young man at Holy Trinity.
"Our projects give us so much personal fulfillment and that raises your hope for the world," says Dave, adding that the group is committed to continuing to grow and serve its community. "Our purpose is to serve others, and we'll keep at it."
Bible on Tap is "called to love, serve and give through faith!"
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About Circle & Shield
Cingo means to surround and secure — to protect. That's what we do. And we have a lot of respect for those who take it upon themselves to make protection a part of what they do, too. That's why we've launched Circle & Shield, our award to a member of the community who helps make the world a better place, a safer place.
Click here to nominate someone for Cingo's Circle & Shield. We'll do the rest.
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About Cingo: Cingo provides home protection services throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Douglas, Dublin, Milledgeville, Savannah, Vidalia, Waycross and all points in between. Cingo was named a Best Place to Work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine and listed as a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Learn more at www.cingohome.com.
