In the days after a severe storm swept through Nashville, residents at Nashville Towers faced a frightening reality: no electricity, no elevator access, and temperatures dropping fast. For many—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and those in wheelchairs—simply getting in and out of the building became a crisis.
Richard Gilbert, pastor of Whitsitt Chapel Baptist Church, knew the building well. He had relationships there. He had friends there. And when he heard what residents were facing, he didn’t just feel concern—he felt a call.
“I was trying to figure out what can I do… to let them know that I’m here,” Pastor Richard shared.
As reports spread, the fire department began assisting residents down multiple flights of stairs so they could be moved to shelters. Families worried. Hallways were dark. The stress was immediate—and personal.
Pastor Richard had been connected to the community for years through ministry ties and friendships. He knew there were residents who couldn’t simply “wait it out.” When he realized the need was bigger than a single person, he began making calls—not to organizations, not to strangers, but to members of his church. What happened next was a reminder of what the local church can do when love takes action.
Pastor Richard’s first thought was simple and practical: What if we bring lunch boxes? Something tangible. Something encouraging. Something that says, “You are not forgotten.”
He reached out to see what was allowed and learned others were helping too. But he wanted to do more than donate from a distance—he wanted to connect with people face-to-face, to remind them they were seen and cared for. So he started calling church members. In about an hour, $570 had been raised. Then came another gift: one church member baked 177 cookies—enough for the whole outreach. That’s when Gilbert knew: This might work.
With a count of 171 tenants at the building, Pastor Richard and helpers planned carefully. They shopped for supplies and worked for hours assembling meals: sandwiches bagged and packed, chips and fruit included, water bottles loaded by the dozens.
The next day, they headed to Nashville Towers to serve. It wasn’t perfect. They ran behind schedule. They carried heavy loads. They didn’t move quickly, but they showed up. And residents came through the line—some quietly, some emotional, some grateful in ways that didn’t require words. For Pastor Richard, it wasn’t just about providing food. It was about presence. It was about making sure people knew the church was there—and that God had not forgotten them.
Building Trust, Not Just Hosting an Event
Pastor Richard has spent years building relationships in and around Nashville Towers. That day’s outreach didn’t create that trust—but it strengthened it.
“Now when I go there, they all [recognize me],” he explained. Some residents attend Bible studies. Some don’t. Some have become church members. Others simply appreciate knowing a pastor is nearby who cares.
That ongoing connection matters, because Nashville Towers has experienced change over time—including shifts in ownership and conversations about renovation that could displace residents. Through it all, Pastor Richard has remained consistent: praying, showing up, and serving.
Today, that relationship with Nashville Towers includes ongoing ministry opportunities—like weekly Bible study and prayer gatherings. Pastor Richard described Tuesday night gatherings and prayer times that have continued with help from others.
Looking ahead, Pastor Richard is praying about what’s next:
- More outreach events where the gospel can be shared naturally through relationships
- Volunteer teams so the ministry doesn’t rest on one person
- A meal-based ministry model—similar to “mission-style” serving lines—possibly a spaghetti dinner
- Partnership opportunities to better connect with non-English-speaking residents
In the conversation, Brett Boesch (Nashville Baptist Association) raised an important question: could other churches help, especially if there’s a specific language group at the Towers?
Pastor Gilbert agreed that identifying the people group could open doors to partnering with one of the association’s language congregations—helping ministry become more welcoming and effective.
A Simple Story With a Gospel Heart
It started with a storm, a powerless building, and residents trying to make it down 12 flights of stairs. It continued with a pastor asking, “What can I do?”
And it turned into a church family raising money, baking cookies, making sandwiches, and showing up with lunch boxes—because compassion is not just something we feel. It’s something we do. Gilbert said it plainly: this outreach was a learning moment, and he’s already thinking about how to do the next one better—with more volunteers, more support, and more opportunities for ministry.
Because when a community hurts, the church doesn’t have to wonder if there’s a role to play.
Sometimes, the first step is as simple as showing up—with lunch in hand—and love in your heart.
