Philippians 4:13 Ministries outlines homelessness outreach, weekend meals and youth programs in Missoula presentation

Jay Wagner, president of Philippians 4:13 Ministries, told attendees at the group’s first annual Christmas event in Missoula that the ministry runs weekend meals at McCormick Park and is developing programs to address homelessness, substance abuse, job-readiness and youth gang involvement.

Wagner said the ministry currently provides “four meals in the park” every weekend at McCormick Park and described plans to “build a shelter” and other facilities to teach people how to complete applications, make résumés and manage substance-use or mental-health challenges so they can “get out and get a job, and then hold the job.”

The context: Wagner framed the ministry’s work as part of evangelism and broader social outreach. “A lot of times, we get asked what Philippians 4 13 ministries is all about,” he said. He described the organization’s activity areas as evangelism, media ministry and assistance to the needy, and outlined program ideas including a youth ranch and what he called a “bridal camp” intended to offer alternatives to gang membership.

Wagner also addressed abortion and described outreach to women considering abortion, saying the group seeks to “reach out to the woman who's considering abortion” and “show her why she shouldn't do that.” He added, “We realize the law of the land right now is that a woman has a right to abort her baby,” language he used while urging life-preserving outreach.

On gangs and youth outreach, Wagner said feelings of hopelessness and peer pressure drive some young people into gangs. “They try to regain this control of their life by joining a gang, which will give them power, which will give them strength, which gives them unity, and gives them a sense of belonging,” he said. He described planned programs to teach alternatives and provide pastoral and practical support.

Wagner described the ministry’s theological motivation and approach repeatedly, saying churches should do more than “lock that light up in the four walls of the church building” and urging congregants to provide practical help: “Did you feed them? Did you clothe them? Did you give them some water in my name?”

No formal government action, funding commitments or partnerships were announced during the presentation. Wagner discussed program goals and ongoing volunteer-led activity but did not specify budgets, timelines, permitting needs or external approvals required to build facilities.

The event also included musical and recorded interludes; the presentation identified Jan Wagner as vice president of the ministry and as a planned speaker for portions of the program, but the remarks on record were delivered by Jay Wagner.

Wagner concluded with a call for volunteers and for churches and individuals to engage in ongoing outreach to people experiencing homelessness in Missoula. “The hands out there are open. They're waiting for us,” he said.