God Has Told Us What is Good: Gardens, Meals, and Fighting the Welfare Cliff at 6:8 Ministries

STEVE LYON
Editorial Director
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In 2009, God inspired John and Sarah Ramthun to begin a ministry that reflected their heart to make service to the poor personal. 

Naturally, one of their first questions was, “What should we call it?” 

Before long, He brought Micah 6:8 to mind: “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (NIV). Curious if other Micah 6:8 organizations existed, they did an online search and discovered Isaiah 6:8 (… “Here I am Lord, send me’”).

Inspired they were on to something, the Ramthun’s searched every 6:8 verse from Genesis to Revelation and discovered two others that captured their heart: Mark 6:8, where Jesus commanded His disciples to go out in pairs and take no provisions for the journey; and 1 Tim. 6:8, where the apostle Paul instructs us to be content with food and clothing.

The message was clear. Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Trust Him — and live simply as you do. 

And 6:8 was born. 

Mission and Vision Embodied in Programs

Guided by author Robert Lupton’s “Oath for Compassionate Service,” it has grown into an expansive ministry committed to the mission of transforming communities by making service personal, accomplished through their vision of seeing people fully alive, embracing and sharing their blessings. 

They believe no one should live in poverty and that — if given the right tools and support — financial stability can be achieved. Therefore, the following programs prioritize relationships, education, reciprocity, and quality; and are offered periodically according to their clients’ needs: 

• Book of the Month which features a new book for our staff, volunteers, and community members to read. Topics include themes on poverty, Christianity, life management, and more.
• Community Meal is based on the belief food has the power to bring people together, build healthy communities (and therefore, a better world). It’s open to the community and served on the second Thursday of each month. 
• Fishing & Venison is a drop-in fishing clinic for AFIShionados (pun intended) to enjoy storytelling, fellowship, and to learn essential fishing skills. The venison donation and processing program teaches people how to process meat for themselves and the community. 
• The 6:8 Garden provides a share of the harvest to anyone willing to help plant, water, weed, harvest, or care for the garden.
• Grocery Delivery & Connection meets Wednesdays at 10am to deliver pre-shopped and bagged grocery orders for those unable to shop on their own. Volunteers and recipients often develop a relationship that benefits both.
• Honoring our Elders is a spiritual support and companion ministry that celebrates older adults’ wisdom, service, and stories while providing support to those dealing with loss, loneliness, and other end-of-life challenges.  
•  Learning 4 Life Classes is open to all adults and connects them with people and resources that help them learn about Health & Wellness, Employment, Finances, and Family Life.
• The High School Mission Trip is an annual week-long service trip involving general construction and repair projects, worship and devotions in large and small groups, participation in fun games —  and the chance for teens to make new friends and grow in their relationships with Christ.
• The Sauk Prairie Against Hunger (SPAH) Pack Event occurs each October in partnership with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). Food is sponsored through donations and volunteers hand-pack meals that are distributed by FMSC all over the world.
• Sewing Lab is a “6:8 Sisterhood” that meets on the second Thursday of each month for anyone who sews, knits or crochets, crafts, enjoys games (i.e., cards, Dominoes, Mahjong), or just wants to socialize.
• Silver Cord is a program for students at Sauk Prairie High School that rewards their volunteerism and community service. Students who’ve achieved at least 160 hours of service receive a Silver Cord to wear at graduation.
• Swap Activities encourage participants to swap gently used or no longer needed items to save money and save the planet, all for free. Themed swaps include the Outdoor Activity Swap in April, Child and Adult Clothing Swap in August, and the Winter Outer-gear and Baby Clothing Swap in October.

FISHing Off the Welfare Cliff

Another hallmark of 6:8’s mission is their ongoing commitment to helping people to step off the “Welfare Cliff.”

Case in point: They are currently piloting Financial Incentive for Stability and Hope (FISH), an innovative program in which participants achieve financial stability and growth through structured incentives that promote increased savings and debt reduction. Thus the “Cliff Effect” is gradually eliminated through income-based benefits that supplement the loss of government funding. Components of the program include:

• A savings match of up to 10% for contributions made to general savings, an emergency fund, or future expense fund (e.g., car repair or replacement, work uniforms, property taxes).
• A debt reduction incentive where participants who actively reduce their debt are awarded a 10% match of the amount reduced (new debt not included, except by special approval).
• A “Cliff Effect” incentive that essentially turns the welfare cliff into a well-paved onramp to a flourishing life. Participants whose governmental income-based benefits decrease due to increased income receive a grant of 110% of the decrease for two months, which then decreases gradually over the following six months. 

Potential participants are selected and undergo a thorough application and screening process. Once accepted, they must present a monthly balanced budget using an approved budget recording system; and document ALL current savings, debt, and income-based benefits. FISH resources are then distributed by either check, direct deposit to their checking/savings account, or a debt reduction payment to lenders.

Participants complete the program by either:

• Fully funding a six-month emergency fund, reducing their debt to zero (except for a mortgage or new debt), and having reduced all income-based benefits (including “Cliff Effect” payments) to zero.
• Or, after successfully completing one year in the program, remaining eligible to renew for another year (dependent on program availability).

The Sycamore Community

Finally, of special note is the Sycamore Community, 6:8’s vision “to develop housing that supports a diversity of age, income, and ability integrated with a hub of services, programs, and enterprises that attract a broad range of individuals and families.” In John Ramthun’s words, the goal is to “reimagine how we live, work, and play together.”

Plans include the purchase of undeveloped land in or near Sauk City and Prairie du Sac to develop a neighborhood of single family houses, multi-family units, and apartments for residents of diverse income, age, ability, and family size. That diversity will increase their social capital; decrease isolation; and enhance sustainability because those able to pay market value for their apartments subsidize those who cannot. In addition, 6:8 intends to build a community-center-style building (or buildings) offering services and programs to build community, encourage interdependence, and increase stability.

Finally, multiple agencies will be approached to partner in providing a homeless shelter, physical and mental health clinics and resources, a teen center, and a senior center. The overarching hope is twofold: Some people will come to Sycamore because they have needs. Others will come because they want to enjoy the fully-integrated, community-rich lifestyle Sycamore affords.

The Evidence is Clear

As John, Sarah, and the rest of their team of staff and committed volunteers will attest, 6:8 is an ongoing testament to God’s heart to see people fully alive, sharing His blessings with others. We at True Charity applaud their work — and look forward to what He will continue to do through them!

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