Following twenty-five (25) years of substance abuse, Ralph Garth was transformed by God. Shortly after, in 1995 he and his wife Kathleen started an outreach ministry they called The Witness Team. They went into the worst of Birmingham, AL neighborhoods sharing the Gospel with the homeless, mentally ill, drug addicts, drug dealers, prostitutes, and runaways. It was during this ministry that Mr. Garth recognized the need for separate group facilities where men and women suffering from substance abuse could live, grow in God, and heal. This vision became a reality in 1997 when Discipling Men and Women for Christ, Inc., was born.
Discipling Men and Women for Christ (DMWFC) is a faith based non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals who may be homeless, suffering from substance abuse or anyone else who may need help.
Since opening its doors in 1997, hundreds of students have been served. Currently, three homes are in operation. An intake facility for men coming off the street or out of jail/prison. A leadership house for men who are being matured, equipped, and empowered to be sent out as God's disciples, serving others in need of the saving knowledge of Christ.
In 2004, Grace Presbyterian Church blessed the now Pastor Garth with his own Church, True Vine Evangelical Church. Since its inception, Pastor Garth and his wife Kathleen have been holding weekly church services, Wednesday night bible studies, providing transportation services for those who otherwise would not be able to attend.
The Effect
The ripples of True Vine Evangelical Church impact is reaching from the surrounding community throughout the city. In 2004 the now Pastor Garth started with 3 member and 8 Drug addicts. Since then the church membership has grow to 100 active members. With 3 outreach ministry that is active reaching the homeless living under the bridges and hurting people in our community's.
