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Resolving Conflict & Transforming Lives, Since 1996HISTORY
Birthed Through Vision
Responding in prayer to the cries of its neighbors impacted by extreme gang violence that resulted in senseless deaths and endangered innocent children and families in Larimer, the poorest community of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, led to the formation of Nabhi Christian Ministries (NCM of Pittsburgh) in 1996. The ministry was incorporated and designated as tax-exempt and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency in 1998, Larimer's only 501(c)(3) for almost the next 25 years.
NCM was founded based on a vision believed given by God to Rev. Fielder after she was commissioned by God to, "teach my people." The Hebrew word "Nabhi," seen written on a building means, "one in whom the message from God springs forth" or "one to whom anything is secretly communicated." Hence, in general, "the prophet" was one upon whom the Spirit of God rested, Numbers 11:17-29 , one, to whom and through whom God speaks, Numbers 12:2 ; Amos 3:7,8).
NCM was originally overseen by the Rev. George S. Steffey. Its mission is to enhance impoverished communities by reducing havoc and cultivating healthy environments through the provision of services that mentor, train, and develop quality citizens of all ages, as instructed by God throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
NCM started as home prayer and worship meetings with just 12 members. As the ministries grew, the meetings expanded to include community outreach and care for the whole person. NCM ministries became a refuge and mediator for peaceful solutions for frightened young people from neighboring violent communities. These young people turned weekly bible study classes into conflict resolution classes with discussions on transformative and peaceful solutions to violence, referencing 1Peter 3:11, “He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right. He must search for peace [with God, with self, with others] and pursue it eagerly [actively—not merely desiring it]."
Inspired by another vision, Rev. Fielder was given a strategic plan to transform impoverished communities through community outreach. NCM began demonstrating selfless acts of love through its Hands for Hope outreach programs, allowing its neighbors to see Christians in action building loving relationships that lead to transformation.
Throughout its history, NCM was very instrumental in helping to unify local leaders of all backgrounds and faith to help bring community healing through prayer and an outreach called, Concerned Citizens of Greater Pittsburgh (CCOGP). NCM increased its membership that included over 50 youth and an outreach ministry that serviced over 100 adjudicated African American males and females.
Nabhi Christian Ministries has played a crucial role in unifying local leaders of all backgrounds and faiths to promote community healing through prayer and its outreach, the Concerned Citizens of Greater Pittsburgh (CCOGP). that expanded its membership to include over 50 youth. CCOGP serviced well over 100 adjudicated African American males and females through case managed life skills services.
Nabhi Christian Ministries (NCM) has a long and storied history of community outreach and conflict resolution.
In 1996, with its first grant from Best Health Care and partnering with local leaders, Nabhi Christian Ministries successfully mediated Pittsburgh's first-ever gang peace rally resulting in a public peace truce and a cease-gunfire between five rival-gangs through its outreach, Concerned Citizens of Pittsburgh (CCOGP) on September 2nd at the Rhododendron Pavilion in Highland Park. CCOGP received local and national attention for work improving Pittsburgh neighborhoods and reducing gang violence. This includes proclamations from the Allegheny County Commissioner’s and State Auditor General. As a result of this recognition, Nabhi Christian Ministries was called on to partner with various organizations and governments to help mediate community conflict, an exciting opportunity to expand its reach and make even a more positive community impact, Nabhi Christian Ministries successfully mobilized communities to take the lead in developing their own communities, hosting well-attended Town Halls and HOLA (Hold Our Leaders Accountable) meetings, which provide a platform for community members to be heard and to question government officials and decision-makers from all levels
In 2000, Nabhi Christian Ministries moved to Broad Street in the Presence Building. NCM partnered with various organizations such as, Agape Christian Fellowship, City of Pittsburgh, District Courts, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Abraxas, Shuman Detention Center, Probat ion Officers, East-Liberty Family Health Care Center and other local groups to implement a conflict resolution outreach project called the EMP (Educational Mentoring Program) to reduce delinquent behavior and the drop out rate for adjudicated youth. The EMP significantly reduced violence and truancy in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
In 2004, Nabhi Christian Ministries (NCM) church moved to 6260 Broad Street in East Liberty of Pittsburgh. There, they held worship and extended community forum invitations to help mediate the community divide, build healthy relationships, and transform lives. NCM partnered with the City of Pittsburgh to create the first, unique, court-ordered Life Skills Community Service (LSCS) program of its kind in Pittsburgh, PA for adjudicated youth. LSCS strengthened lacking support systems for troubled and adjudicated youth that significantly decreased their vulnerability to academic failure, expulsion, dropout, and violent crimes. The LSCS significantly reduced truancy and became a model program replicated by other churches, youth-serving, and volunteer organizations throughout Allegheny County. NCM received two City of Pittsburgh Proclamations for tireless work and effective leadership towards the goals of making Pittsburgh a more peaceful and loving place; and for all its efforts in helping so many of those in need of aid in the city. Unfortunately, NCM was forced to move after the owner sold the building to make way for the new development of the Target Department Store.
In 2005 -2009, NCM received grants to partner with the City of Pittsburgh and the Poise Foundation to help transform lives by addressing root causes of violence in at-risk and adjudicated youth that significantly reduced truancy in the City of Pittsburgh Public Schools. In 2007, NCM moved to the Dorothy Day Apartments on Lincoln Avenue.
Also, in 2009, NCM expanded its membership to 77 and found a larger church home shared with the owners of Faith Lutheran Church, located at 7060 Lemington Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206. In 2019, Faith Lutheran Church owners donated the Church building to Nabhi Christian Ministries. Since 2009, the Church remains at the same location in the Lincoln/Lemington section of Pittsburgh, PA.
In 2015, with the support of the Heinz Endowments, Nabhi Christian Ministries collaborated with 4-H Pittsburgh and the Kingsley Association to launch an innovative youth development program. The project focused on building relationships and empowering African-American males with leadership roles in their Larimer/Lincoln-Lemington neighborhoods. Nabhi Christian Ministries was recognized for its outstanding public service with the Jefferson and Soroptimist Awards. Additionally, the church received Proclamations from Congress and the City of Pittsburgh for its dedication, enthusiasm, cooperation, and tireless community work.
In 2016, Nabhi Christian Ministries received a City of Pittsburgh Proclamation for honoring community leaders for their achievements, value and impact on children and families; Nabhi Christian Ministries founder was the recipient of the New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence Award;
IN 2018, Nabhi Christian Ministries received the City of Pittsburgh Proclamation for service and civic contribution to the City of Pittsburgh;
In 2019, Nabhi Christian Ministries received the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. LLZ Chapter Community Service Award for ongoing service and unwavering dedication to community outreach & engagement.
In 2019, Nabhi Christian Ministries received a grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation Small & Mighty program to expand its Hands for Hope outreach project to processes utility grant applications for limited income families struggling to afford basic utility services, to avoid, shut offs, terminations and evictions. .
In 2020 during COVID19, NCM pivoted to meet the needs of the community and expanded it's Hands for Hope projects to include intensive case management, family strengthening programs, and basic needs support to help low-income families achieve child well-being, family stability, and self-sufficiency.
For many years, Nabhi Christian Ministries has been committed to supporting low-income families and neighbors and is excited to continue serving the community through these expanded projects.
WATCH OUR EARLY BEGINNINGS
1ST EVER GANG PEACE TRUCE RALLY IN PITTSBURGH (PART 1)