A Portland inn becomes a bustling center of ministry

By JOHN FORTMEYER
CNNW publisher
    PORTLAND — Just buying and operating a motel two years ago was enough to make Eastside Foursquare Church unusual.
But unusual doesn’t even begin to describe what is going on today at 9727 N.E. Sandy Blvd.. It is perhaps the only such operation of its kind in the world.
    In what Pastor Eric Bahme of the church and Pastor Jim Cottrell of Freedom House Ministries enthusiastically describe as a sovereign work of God, the church/motel property — once seen under previous ownership as a site of urban despair — has become a bustling center of Christian ministry bringing hope to hundreds.
   “This is sending shockwaves, because there has never been anything like it before,” said Bahme.
   “It makes your head spin,” agreed Cottrell.
    Today, the following is taking place on the property just off Exit 23A and B of Interstate 205:
   • Two churches — Eastside Foursquare and the recently relocated Trinity Project, affiliated with The Missionary Church and led by Pastor Ron Hockley — are serving a total of about 500 people with three weekend services. When Eastside Foursquare first acquired the motel, it only had a congregation of about 70.
   • Of the inn’s 167 rooms, 47 are operated in Choice Hotels’ Rodeway Inn name, and another 65 have just been renovated and given Choice Hotels’ more upscale Quality Inn designation. The combined inn is garnering attention locally for its great reviews and high occupancy.
   • What was once a Chinese restaurant on the property is now the Sacred Grounds coffee shop. A former bar was transformed into a child care area and youth concert venue, and a dance hall became the church’s new sanctuary.
   • Eighteen rooms are used by Freedom House, a Christian men’s recovery program formed less than a year ago by Cottrell, formerly of Portland Teen Challenge. • Remaining rooms are used as a base for ministry by a variety of Christian programs, including Life Team International, an evangelical curriculum development agency; Family to Family Counseling Services; People Works, a vocational training program; and My Father’s House, a homeless shelter located off campus.
    But with all this activity going on, perhaps the most noticeable thing, according to Bahme and Cottrell, is the stark change in atmosphere at the site. Whereas it was once known as a center of prostitution and drug use, the environment is now one of hope in Christ. Because of the positive influence of the church and the various ministries, crime has plunged in the neighborhood, they say.
   “It used to be that people were coming here to shoot up drugs,” said Bahme. “Now they are coming here to get their lives turned around. In the very place they had been shooting up, now they sit in chapel with their Bibles open.”
    Many of the inns’ guests sense the godly atmosphere and feel comfortable sharing their personal needs, said Bahme. Many are being led to Christ.
    Why is this all happening?
    Bahme and Cottrell say it is a classic example of God blessing the efforts of His people when they work together.
   “Jesus’ longest prayer in the Bible was a prayer for unity,” said Bahme. “We’re seeing a huge honoring of God, because of that mentality.”
   “Within a year’s time, this all is just exploding,” said Cottrell. “It’s because of the principle of being Kingdom-minded, rather than trying to build our own reputations.”
    Bahme is particular pleased by the partnership with Freedom House, whose clients are able to help in many ways with the upkeep of the inns and other programs. Bahme said he found an instant unity of purpose and spirit with Cottrell when the idea of locating Freedom House on the property was first discussed.
    Bahme and Cottrell said what is happening in Portland is already being investigated as a model for what other urban churches can do. For more information, phone 503-226-4900 or 503-347-9966.