Our Mission
We envision a community in which the homeless, poor and non-poor together live the full and rich lives God intends. To this end, our mission is to promote personal transformation through life-giving relationships with the homeless and poor.
“Help us to see the world as You see it and to live in as You lived in it.”
This was the prayer that Robert and Leslie Littrell began to pray some years ago when they began to sense that the way they were living differed from how God desired for them to live. In the context of this simple, ongoing prayer, the Littrell’s turned to the New Testament Gospels to look afresh at how Jesus lived his life and how he instructed his followers to live.
One result of this time of extended prayer and study was a growing desire within the Littrell’s to stretch themselves in the areas of Christ-like generosity and hospitality. In addition, they came to realize that relationships, particularly with people who were different from them, were vital in developing and maintaining spiritual health. To respond to these new insights and to encourage others to do the same, Six Treasures Ministries was formed.
Board of Directors
Glen Banks
Georgetown, KY
Katie Banks
Georgetown, KY
Dan Danford
Lexington, KY
Katie Kessinger
Lexington, KY
Robert Littrell
Lexington, KY
Leslie Littrell
Lexington, KY
Tony McPeek
Lexington, KY
Brien Settle
Lexington, KY
Our Work
Contact Work
The term “contact work” is borrowed from Young Life, an organization that has been reaching teenagers since the 1940’s. Young Life interacts with kids on their own “turf” at places like schools, athletic events and local hangouts. Six Treasures has adopted that same approach and attempts to meet the homeless where they are – on the street, in parks, at local shelters. Volunteers are encouraged to model Christ by venturing outside their normal environment and step into the less familiar and sometimes uncomfortable world of the homeless.
Meeting Basic Needs
There are many local organizations that provide for the basic needs of the homeless, especially food and clothing. For that reason, Six Treasures does not make this a primary emphasis. However, when needs arise, the organization on occasion does provide essentials. Examples include food, clothing, bus passes, personal hygiene items, tents and sleeping bags. In addition, in cases in which individuals are transitioning from homelessness into housing, assistance with rent, deposits, furniture and household items is sometimes provided.
Medical Respite
The term “contact work” is borrowed from Young Life, an organization that has been reaching teenagers since the 1940’s. Young Life interacts with kids on their own “turf” at places like schools, athletic events and local hangouts. Six Treasures has adopted that same approach and attempts to meet the homeless where they are – on the street, in parks, at local shelters. Volunteers are encouraged to model Christ by venturing outside their normal environment and step into the less familiar and sometimes uncomfortable world of the homeless.
In-Home Gatherings
Twice each month a group of 10 – 15 people meet in a volunteer’s home to enjoy a dinner meal together, participate in a short devotion and share in prayer and communion. The “home group” has been meeting for more than 10 years and is comprised of both homeless and “homed” people.
Bible Study
Six Treasures has hosted a weekly downtown Bible study for more than 10 years. This group of homeless and “homed” men (and sometimes women) meet on Tuesday mornings at the Iron Bridge Woodshop. Topics have included both Old and New Testament books as well as studies of the writings of more contemporary Christian authors like CS Lewis and Timothy Keller.
The Iron Bridge Woodshop
The Iron Bridge Woodshop (IBW) is an enterprise in which currently or formerly homeless men join with volunteers to craft handmade products from locally sourced wood. IBW creates opportunities for participants and volunteers to build mutually positive relationships in the context of creative, meaningful work. Proceeds from the sale of Iron Bridge products support the work of Six Treasures Ministries.
