“I needed clothes and you clothed me.” Inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:36 (NIV), the God’s Closet ministry provides free clothing to families in need. Started 15 years ago, its impact has grown to 49 active locations today.
Three Southern California Conference (SCC) churches hosted God’s Closet ministries on their campuses in 2023: Berean, Pasadena, and Sunland-Tujunga churches. God’s Closet chapters collect gently used children’s clothing throughout the year and host free shop days three to four times per year. On each shop day, hundreds of children are served.
Families come from near and far. Clothing is available for children of all ages, and the churches also offer socks, diapers, toiletries, and more. But the ministry goes beyond physical needs—shoppers also receive Christian literature and personal prayer. Some even request Bible studies.
Daphne Morgan, Berean church urban ministries leader and Sabbath School superintendent, remembers one young lady who was experiencing job loss when she visited God’s Closet. “She was able to get clothes for herself and her children and her parents because she was out of work,” Morgan shared.
End of summer is a key time for God’s Closet shoppers: the school year is about to start. “I remember more than one shopper brought nearly to tears expressing how their child was begging for new clothes for school that they couldn't afford, and our event allowed them to be a hero to their child,” said Susan Armstrong, God’s Closet – Tujunga acting director. “It was priceless to them.”
Many God’s Closet chapters cultivate valuable partnerships with organizations that provide diapers, clothing, and more. “One mom called asking if we had a stroller, and at that time we did not have one,” said God’s Closet – Pasadena leader Lily Cirstoiu. “But we got donations from a company, including three brand new umbrella strollers that we did not request. I believe it was a Godsent gift for this family.”
The shop day events are much larger than just the church that’s hosting—nearby churches and community members also join in as volunteers or bring donations.
“It’s a huge blessing for the churches that participate,” James G. Lee Jr., SCC executive vice president and Adventist Community Services director, said. “It’s a blessing to parents—many of whom are single parents or have limited income. It’s a wonderful thing, and I would encourage other churches to participate in this ministry.”
Any church can start a God’s Closet ministry by visiting www.godscloset.com/join-our-network.
God’s Closet – Sunland-Tujunga
God’s Closet – Pasadena
God’s Closet – Berean
