Bible Studies are conducted at Morris Village each Sunday at 9:00 AM and in transitional housing throughout the week. Over 11,000 Bibles have been given to those in need of one. These Bibles are made possible through the generosity of the families and friends of Elmwood Avenue Church of God.

The Food Pantry operates on a bi-weekly basis. Eligibility is by application; eligible recipients are senior citizens, those on an inadequate fixed income, the poor, and the homeless. This area of ministry is designed to be a supplement to the individual's income and is provided at no cost to recipients. Approximately 35 families are assisted on a weekly basis.

Thrift Stores: SSM operates two thrift stores to assist the ministry in being self-supporting. Items sold range from all types of clothing to household items and new or used furniture. We accept all donations. Large items may be picked up by calling either store. Tax receipts are available for donations. Stores are located in Columbia & West Columbia, SC, at:

•6000A Two Notch Rd (803-754-1114)
•1916 Augusta Rd (803-794-1786)

Transitional Housing operates to assist men in the recovery phase of drug and alcohol addiction, providing a Christ-centered living environment through an initial 90-day program with an extended program for qualified residents on a space-available basis. This program is designed to assist residents in becoming established in the community and the church.

House rules have been established and must be adhered to. The residents:

   a) Receive spiritual guidance through Bible study.
   b) Attend AA, NA, & group sessions.
   c) Attend anger-management, resume', job interview, & appropriate training.

  We are in partnership with the following agencies:

                    Voc Rehab
                    One Stop Workforce
                    Richland One Adult Ed
                    SC Dept of Mental Health
                    Columbia Free Clinic
                    Columbia Area Mental Health
                    LRADAC
                    Morris Village
                    Dept of Veteran Affairs

Click here for  Housing Application
FAX to:  (803)765-4555, ATTENTION: T. GOULD

Click here for House Rules

If you have questions, please call (803)765-9711 or e-mail: info@elmwoodcog.org.

"A physical marker for a spiritual encounter"

  Stepping Stones is an outreach ministry of the Elmwood Avenue Church of God.

   My name is Andrew Herbert. In my early 20s, I completed the recovery program offered by Stepping Stones Ministry. These are the things in my life that I had lost . . . everything, and in no specific order. And whether for fear of losing something or having already lost it, for five years I tried to replace those things with drugs and alcohol among other things. Until finally, though my flesh required those substances moment by moment, my spirit had already died within me. All my dreams were lost and all hope was gone. And the devil, my puppeteer at the time, still had me believing that continuing to sin was the only relief. But lo and behold, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came on the scene. He told me through His Spirit that He had bought me already with His blood, and that if I would just repent, He would take care of me. Now, I'm here. He's right; I'm wrong. I'm weak; He's strong. He's big; I'm small. I'm short; He's tall. I'm nothing; He's all. I know He has a plan for my life, and every day I ask him to help carry my troubles. And though I lost everything, I gained Jesus. Now the only thing I fear more than God Himself is not being with Him.
                                                                           —Andrew Herbert '07

   May 22, 2008—I dropped to my knees, and I prayed to the Lord in desperation, “Please help me! Take me away from the obsession and circle of death that I continue to do to myself. I need You in my life.” Right then I realized that I could not do it on my own—that I needed Him more than ever.
   May 23, 2008—I asked a friend to drive me to the Morris Village treatment facility where I asked for help. I was told that they did not except walk-ins, but that day they admitted me into the facility--that was the work of God doing for me what I could not do for myself.  I spent 30 days in Morris Village, attending drug treatment classes, NA, & AA meetings, and church services.  At one of these church service I met the director of Stepping Stones who was delivering the Word of God to us.  I asked him if I could enter the Stepping Stones transitional housing program.  After an interview, he accepted me into the program.  While still at Morris Village, the medical staff informed me that I was HIV positive…I was devastated, but I also knew the life I had lived had played a big part in it & that God would overcome this stage of my life and give me acceptance.  As time has progressed while in Stepping Stones, I have grown and learned to have a better relationship with the Lord.  He has shown me that I never have to be alone again.  When man judges or fails me, God will always be there.  It has not been an easy trip, but knowing that I am not alone helps me more every day.  Stepping Stones has been a great help to me and has taught me that in life you get what you put in to it – whether good or bad.  You can fool man, but you can never fool God.
   May 23, 2009 – Now a year clean! I know that I could not have done it without the Lord’s help and guidance.  I ask Him to guide me throughout the day and night to follow His will and not mine.  With Him, I know all will be well.  I might not be where I want to be, but I am not where I was—praise God! Amen.
                                                                         —Angel '09