What is your title with the Outreach? I am one of approximately 20 volunteers that serve the Outreach.

Where was the former building located? About a quarter of a mile away on Main St. in Marianna. (Next to the Marianna Post Office)

How would I describe the relationship of Bethlehem Lutheran Church with the Outreach? The Marianna Christian Outreach is an extension of the God-ordained service to the greater community of the Bethlehem Church.

Can you go over the beginnings of the Outreach again?  Soon after the mine fire that closed the Marianna Mine in the mid-1980’s which caused a major loss of jobs in the area, a group of wonderful Christian people, led by Marva Andrievik of Marianna, saw a need to serve families in need.  They rented the store front on Main St. and began to receive donations of clothing, housewares, furniture and appliances.  They would organize them, and arrange them at their store and have people in need come and get what they needed – free of charge.  Approximately 15 years ago, the group that founded it needed to transition out of it.  Many member of the Bethlehem Church had been donating to it.  We prayed about it and decided to take it over and operate it.  We operated it at the Main St. location until 2021, when we able to purchase, renovate and move into our new location at 117 1^st St., Marianna, PA. 

How would I describe what the Love God, Love Your School Award is?  The Lord has blessed the teachers, students, administrators, coaches, employees to do a tremendous job of providing outstanding education for many decades.  That success has been challenged in these past few years by COVID among many other obstacles.  We want to honor and encourage the entire school district and show our appreciation through prayer for the Lord’s continued blessing.   

Can you tell me a little bit about the prayer breakfast in Washington? The Washington County Prayer Breakfast has been in existence for over 25 years.  It was founded by Paul Powers and has been continued through his ministry called Men of Honor Ministries.  It is typically held each spring at the Double Tree on Racetrack Rd.  Attendance is over 500 people each year.  Renowned regional and national speakers such as Tunch Illkin, Adolf Coors the IV, Pat Williams have been the keynote speakers in the past.  Charles Duke (Apollo 16 astronaut who walked on the Moon) was the speaker in 2022.  Many local leaders and organizations have been honored and prayed for at these breakfasts.

Atre you still looking for people to attend? Yes What do they do if they want to attend? Email me at Do all funds from the breakfast go to the Outreach? The funds will go to the school district to enhance scholarship and service.  Through a generous donation, funds up to $1,000 will be matched 100%.

Who is the local pastor that will offer the blessing of the school district at the breakfast? Pastor John Thomas of the Calvary Chapel.

Do you have the entertainment firmed up yet? There will be a choral and instrumental group of Beth Center students perform.

I know that’s a lot, but thanks in advance.