Conversations on a Bench was a wonderful event where the mission of Jericho Road Ministries was extended to the community at large.
The event started on October 8 and continued for 24 hours straight, where CEO Andrew Chamberlin sat on a bench in downtown Brooksville, talking to community leaders, program residents, and passersby on the realities of homelessness, addiction, and mental health. We are so humbled by the positive response from the community!
Our major sponsor was Chambers Law Firm, a Veterans-service-focused legal provider that serves firsthand to the needs of Veterans. We are very grateful for their support, as well as for the generosity of other local businesses that chipped in with pizza, cookies, donuts, and coffee for the working crew.
Conversations on a Bench 2026 at a glance:
24 hours of unscripted, raw conversation
11,000+ live views
72 unique guests sat on the bench to share personal stories
Jericho Road Ministries hosted this event at a local level, yet simultaneously, it was hosted nationally by Citygate Network — a movement of 300+ faith-based ministries dedicated to life transformation for individuals facing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and other overwhelming challenges. Conversations on a Bench is the type of event that generates change!
Throughout many of the conversations, the topic of hope was consistently brought up—the need for it, the power of its presence, and the impact it makes. “That’s a theme tonight, the lack of hope and where that can take us,” said Andrew Chamberlin, CEO of Jericho Road Ministries.
Many current Jericho Road Ministries program residents opened their hearts and shared their stories. These stories revealed moments of vulnerability, need, and transformation. One resident shared, “I lost hope in my life for a very long period of time, and when you don’t have hope, it’s really hard to get by.” - Matthew A.
“I have to make the best of what the Lord has given me; He has brought me back from an overdose. I had died and been brought back by his grace and mercy, the only reason I’m here today.” -Michael S.
Community leaders shared valuable resources and information to support and inform individuals and organizations about how they can help make an impact.
Candace Eccles, a Board Member at Jericho Road Ministries, pointed out during her conversation with Andrew, “What is beautiful is when people start to realize that there is help and there is hope.”
To catch up on more conversations and see who else had something to share on the bench, visit our YouTube Channel here → youtube.com/@jerichoroadministries2020?si=dqXHrgD5c-TwVmEN