Richard Bond

Founding member and Executive Director of OKC Compassion, Pastor Bond first came to Oklahoma City when he was called to lead the Penn Avenue Church of the Nazarene in 1997.  He holds degrees from Southern Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary.  His experience includes serving as a hospital chaplain, pastoral counselor, and senior pastor in several locations.

Pastor Bond arrived in Oklahoma City when the community was going through a dramatic period of transition:  most residents around the church who had resources were leaving the area and relocating to the suburbs.  Those who remained had many needs.  Unemployment, homelessness and sheer poverty were taking a serous toll.  Prostitution and drug addiction were commonplace.  Each day people came to the church in search of help, to meet their physical needs and to find hope.   In response to these conditions, OKC Compassion, Inc. was formed.

For nearly 14 years he served the dual capacity of Senior Pastor of Penn Avenue Church and Executive Director of OKC Compassion, Inc.  In 2010 he stepped down as pastor of the church in order to focus full-time on leading OKC Compassion.  He has a special love for the disadvantaged people in the inner city and can be found each day on site:  listening, counseling, and praying with others.  He is a constant source of encouragement to those who are suffering, reaching out to them, compelled day after day by the love of Christ.

Rhonda | (405) 413-1741

Rhonda first came to OKC Compassion several years ago, one of the many people who lived in the area and struggled with drug addiction.  Rhonda is a hard worker and a true survivor. When she met Pastor Bond and explained her needs he offered to help her.  For several years she struggled on and off to get free from her addiction to crack cocaine.  Ultimately Rhonda found freedom from drugs and established a relationship with Christ.  She now works on site each day as part of a community program that helps seniors re-establish themselves in the workplace.

Ben | 405-210-1295

Ben came to OKC Compassion in 1999 when a friend told him he might find help there.  Ben had been a drug user for several years.  That and other factors landed him in prison twice.  A serious car accident in 1992 had left him partially paralyzed and sent him into a tailspin of depressed thinking and further use of crack cocaine.  Ben’s association with OKC Compassion was a turning point in his life.  In 1999 he gave his life to Christ, vowing to leave behind a lifestyle of drug addiction, immoral behavior and careless living.  Since that time he has been a model of transformation, winning others to the Lord by his word and his many deeds.  Each day Ben greets everyone who comes to OKC Compassion, welcoming them and witnessing to them.  His daily philosophy is to give back what he has had the joy to receive, in his words, to “live as God’s humble and obedient servant, leading people who are lost to be found in Christ Jesus.”

Ryan | (407) 490-5987

Ryan has been with OKC Compassion since February of this year.  Formerly from Orlando, Florida, he joined us to pursue a career in urban ministry.  Ryan developed a strong passion for Christ as he suffered through nearly 10 years of drug addiction and eating disorders.  He now spends each day with individuals and groups, helping to facilitate the healing and recovery of those who struggle with substance abuse and other challenges.  Ryan has a special insight and a true passion for helping the homeless find victory in the tough areas of their lives.  He does this using his personal gifts and the resources made available through OKC Compassion.  Ryan cites his love of Christ and his drive to embrace the needy as the motivating factors in his ministry here.  Looking back on his personal struggles he states:  “I finally broke down in a desperate need for freedom. I found that freedom in Christ, and now know a love that passes all barriers.”

Tina

Tina came to OKC Compassion in November of 2010.  She was homeless, having spent the last 2 years out-of-state, caring for her stepmother who was facing the final stages of a fatal illness.  When her stepmother passed away, Tina returned to Oklahoma City, hoping to get a job and return to her normal life.  Her job search was fruitless and she eventually found herself homeless.  She sought help at OKC Compassion and was admitted to a recovery house.  Since that time she has served as one of the primary volunteers each day. Tina is a house leader, works in the kitchen, and provides transportation to people who would not otherwise be able to get to appointments around Oklahoma City.  Thanks to the support provided by OKCC, Tina has started vocational training to become a nail technician and hopes this will be the next step on a new, successful career path!

Bruce | (405) 881-5435

You will find Bruce at OKC Compassion nearly every day.  As a ‘retired’ person, Bruce is far from idle.  He serves in a volunteer capacity, helping people as they cope with many challenges. He consistently exhibits a positive outlook and boosts everyone’s spirits by his energy and willingness to support others in their times of need.  Bruce serves on the OKCC board of directors and helps with transportation and other day-to-day needs.

Harold  

Rev. Harold Blankenship has been a highly successful pastor throughout his lengthy ministry career.  He continues to serve God at OKC Compassion during his “retirement.”  He and his wife, Doris, help consistently with the counseling, music, facility upkeep and many other ways. They both exhibit genuine compassion by taking personal interest in the people involved in the ministries of OKC Compassion.

Tammie

Tammie is in recovery from abusive relationships which, in turn, led her to using crack cocaine.  She lives in a recovery house operated by OKC Compassion and serves with us each day.  She handles donated items and office duties.  We are so happy for her recovery!