Washers, dryers and a coin-friendly way to share Christ

Clockwise from left, Stephany Becker, Tara Waldrup, Rudy Wray and Mike Soto are among members of the Eastside Church of Christ in Portland, Ore., active in the Laundromat ministry. (photo provided by Mike Soto)

Sometimes, sharing Jesus can be as simple as offering a Coke and a smile — or pulling a quarter out of your pocket at the Laundromat.
Mike Soto, a minister of the Eastside Church of Christ in Portland, Ore., writes:

We have had an incredible experience with a ministry that we would like to share with you. I write this email with hope and prayer to “spur others on to love and good deeds” and to give ideas for others in reaching the lost.
We have recently begun a ministry using Laundromats. We collect quarters from members and then go to the Laundromat to help pay for laundry. We have found it far more effective than we imagined.
We decided to use this economic crisis as an opportunity to show people the love of God and how unshakable his kingdom is (Hebrews 12:18-29). We give clothing away at the building for those in our community, and we have taken the initiative to allow God to spend our quarters in reaching souls using the Laundromats.
It wasn’t easy at first. We contacted nine Laundromat owners in the Portland/Gresham area and have two owners that are allowing us to use their Laundromats. In fact, we have them helping us pay for the laundry service! When we approach people, they are shocked that we would do that for them, we simply let them know it is the love of Christ that compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). We have a lady who was reached after our forth time, she is now connected with our widows and is involved in Bible study and a quilting ministry.
The Laundromat atmosphere allows us time to talk while the clothes are being cleaned. There have been others at the Laundromat who had said they are doing well and would rather give us money than for us to pay for their laundry! We are cleaning their clothes in hopes that it will lead to the cleaning of their souls!
This has been very effective in the Portland area. Please pass this onto others so they may have new/additional ideas in reaching the lost.

Consider it done. What ideas do you have for reaching the lost? Please share your ideas and comments.

• Feedback
  I love Church of Christ. I was baptized at Eastside in Porland and know those in the above picture. Wonderful, caring and giving people. I am so glad that the laundry idea has taken off. Gods blessings on these great people.

  Jeanne Davis

  July, 15 2010

  Great idea!!

  Cherie Vestal

  July, 15 2010

  I go to the laundromat often due to the fact I don’t have one at home. When I go, either by myself, or with my whole family, we always evangelize and reach out. We also have done numerous bible studies at the laundromat!

  N.R.

  July, 16 2010

  Wonderful idea, Mike! May the Lord’s blessings be on you and all those at Eastside. We attended there several times while Caryn and Dave worked at that congregation. Also, had close friends in Rogers, AR that were a part of Eastside meany years before we knew them. It is truly a small world as we reach out for Christ. All our love.

  Melinda Hale

  July, 16 2010

  I have fond memories of “laundry evangelism!” I met one of my best friends in a college dorm laundromat in 1980’s. I didn’t pay for her laundry but we had a conversation which led to an invitation to a bible study. She was baptized later that summer and remains a faithful christian. Praise the Lord for such wonderful encounters!

  CD

  July, 16 2010

  Enjoyed so much reading this and knowing of your efforts. May God continue to bless your efforts to His Glory as he does us in Paris, France.

  Rose Mohsen

  July, 23 2010

  What a fantastic ministry! Practical and helpful to those in need! Great job!

  Staci R

  July, 24 2010

  Just because a person uses a laundromat doesn’t mean he or she isn’t a Christian. By assuming these people must be “in need” or non-Christian, you are demeaning them.

  Amanda

  December, 21 2010