Making a minister

By Michael J. DeCicco

For years, Reverend Russ Chamberlain, 67, has portrayed Santa Claus at Salvation Army events.

But during the rest of the year, it’s not just an act. For 12 years Chamberlain has been a part of the Salvation Army’s efforts to help needy families under programs that include Christmas Assistance, Thanksgiving basket delivery, and Pathway of Hope.

He said he handles Salvation Army tasks such as transporting the Christmas fundraising drive bell ringers and dropping off the kettles and their proceeds at the New Bedford headquarters at 619 Purchase Street.

He also handles food deliveries to New Bedford residents who are home-bound because of the COVID pandemic. In this way, he explained, he is serving around 35-40 clients every Tuesday and Thursday, leaving the meals on their doorsteps then telephoning them that their package has arrived.

He said the main goal throughout his life in the ministry has been to empower people by reaching out to them very directly. “Jesus met people where they were at and communicated to them what God does,” Chamberlain said. “And when he came to them, they became disciples. You empower people with God’s love, with the message that he cares about them. The world has always had challenges. Walk as a disciple and you walk through those challenges in faith.”

He preferred serving ‘free will dinners’ – more like buffets, where the people attending could decide on their meal choices

He gives as an example of his approach the way he left managing the New Bedford Mercy Meals seven years ago. They were serving meals specific to that day’s menu, he said. He wanted to empower the people needing those meals. He preferred serving ‘free will dinners’ – more like buffets, where the people attending could decide on their meal choices. That in itself, he said, is empowerment.

The breakfasts he offers now as mercy meals in New Bedford are of the free will meals he prefers. He gives his diners a choice of pancakes, French toast, and omelets. And he’ll recruit diners to volunteer to help him at the griddle when he runs out of pancakes, empowering these people even more.

Finding empowerment

A tragedy was the first thing to empower him, a near crippling motorcycle accident at age 21. Back then, he was the sort of guy that bragged his father’s cousin was the famed “Doctor Kildare” TV actor Richard Chamberlain.

But that accident took him in another direction. “I said to God that if I am able to walk again I will serve you,” he recalled.

He is proud to note he, in fact, was able to walk across the stage to get his diploma when he graduated from Alma College in Michigan, three years later in 1978. The Shrewsbury-Worcester native started college by majoring in ministry work then switched to counseling.

His ministry since then has included stints as pastor at the United Church of Christ in Lakeville and assisting with the CAS Highpoint Methadone Clinic in New Bedford.

He’s also developed what he calls the Five C Empowerment Ministry, which includes housing people in special need in his own home. Two people are being housed there now, he said, and he is glad to do it until they get on their feet. He estimated he has helped approximately 19 foster kids and 19 international students under this program.

The Five C Ministry, he further explained, is a nonprofit organization to look at the “Choices people are making and the Consequences of those choices. And if they want to Change the choices and experience different Consequences, I and others provide the opportunity to in a Caring, Christ-like way.”

The empowerment he’s believed in all these years is a basic tenet of the Five C Ministry, he said. “God has given me the gift to help people help themselves,” he said. “It’s not about Russ. It’s about God’s empowerment.”

If you want to follow in Russ Chamberlain’s footsteps, visit the New Bedford Salvation Army at 619 Purchase Street or make a virtual visit at facebook.com/ salvationarmynewbedford. Even small actions and donations can have a big impact!

Michael J. DeCicco has worked as a writer for over 30 years. He is also the author of two award-winning young adult novels, Kaurlin’s Disciples and The Kid Mobster. He lives with his wife Cynthia in New Bedford. Tue 10-3, Wed 12-8, Thur-Fri 12-5, Sat 10-5