The Samaritan Inn Project

Lake County had long been known as a prime location for catching trophy bass when World War II ended, the economy was up and the entire nation was pressing forward.  As good times prevailed, The Big Bass Motel opened along US Highway 27 in 1954 as a prime stopping point for anxious anglers and tired travelers.  By the beginning of the Twenty First Century however the gleaming jewel had degraded into a place of despair and shame.  Drug addicts and prostitutes had long since replaced avid sportsmen and travelling families.  At this low point in its existence, the old motel was purchased by First Baptist Church of Leesburg with the help of partners in faith and cooperative government officials.  In September 2009, the Big Bass Motel began the transition to the Samaritan Inn as part of the Christian Care Center’s ministry village.

      Long a dream of church leaders and God’s answer to prayer, the property was designated to become a shelter for homeless families.  There are many families who find themselves without a place to call their own in an unhealthy job market.  Homeless families means homeless children.  God’s word commands believers to care for the hungry, the children, the downtrodden.  Samaritan Inn is to be a temporary refuge so families can find hope, learn new skills, and be safe in time of transition.  Partnering with other members of the community of faith, Florida Department of Children and Families, Leesburg City Government and hundreds of volunteers from different denominations and communities Samaritan Inn has become a symbol of what can happen when hearts are open to ministry evangelism.  Meeting temporal needs is necessary but addressing spiritual needs leading to faith decision about eternity is essential.  Primary in the ministry effort is to lead people to understand the key to a better life is to live that life through salvation through Jesus Christ.  Residents will be loved as they are, assisted as they are and helped to move from where they are.  Educational and Social needs will be met on site, helping families with GED, job skills, school needs and linking with government assistance.  The Department of Children and Families will provide computers on site to give access to Food Stamps and Medicaid on line.

      Construction is underway and the target is to have families accepted to Samaritan Inn by May 2010.  This is an ambitious start date considering the major renovations needed to bring the old motel back from a place of shame to hope and redemption.  Through prayer, cooperation and hard work the Samaritan Inn will become what the Big Bass Motel once was; an icon of what is upright and decent.   In a fallen world focused on selfishness, greed and being unaccountable with no consequences, Samaritan Inn is a beacon of hope, mutual support and eternal reward.