Honest questions about Jesus, asked in Miami.

People in Miami bring questions shaped by Little Havana, Little Haiti, new arrivals, old wounds, work, family, and the cost of staying. We answer from the words of Jesus and the apostles. Where Scripture does not settle a detail, we will say so.

St. John's account of its Overtown beginnings

St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church's history records a first gathering on June 17, 1906, at NW Second Avenue and 11th Terrace. The congregation initially used the name Second Baptist Church. It later gathered at Jackson's Hall before occupying a frame building in February 1908. Knowing those earlier names and locations helps a reader see people organizing a shared life, rather than assuming the present building tells the whole story.

The same account describes damage to that early building in the storms of 1926 and 1928. Its later building at 13th Street and Third Avenue was completed in 1940. These are historical dates from the congregation's own account, not a claim about current programs or an invitation to a Jesus Saves Cities event there.

The guide has no affiliation with St. John. Local history can be respected while a reader examines Christian teaching against Scripture. Acts 17:11 describes that examination; a long history by itself cannot answer a question about following Jesus.

Miami information checked October 1, 2026. Report a correction here; include the provider or room affected so we can check the original source.

“Come to a Bible study” leaves several questions unanswered. Which language? Who else is invited? Can a person come with a child, and how late will the conversation go? Settle those things with the people you hope to see. A small, reachable table may be more useful than an impressive room.

The right number before a trip across town

For someone experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing, the county's Homeless Helpline guidance directs them first to 1-877-994-4357 or 305-375-2273. An outreach specialist helps with referrals and available shelter options. Calling first matters: this guide cannot promise that a particular shelter has a bed. The county lists menu options for different circumstances, including domestic violence and veterans. Let the person explain which applies.

For food, Feeding South Florida's contact page lists Miami-Dade and Broward assistance at 954-518-1857 and says an appointment is needed. Its agency finder is another way to locate a provider. The warehouse address is not a promise of walk-up groceries. Help your neighbor confirm where to go, what to bring, and whether the time works for them.

Miami-Dade Intergroup publishes a 24-hour AA helpline at 305-461-2425. Its Miami meeting directory distinguishes languages and online or in-person meetings. Someone asking for help with drinking can choose which conversation to start. We have no affiliation with the intergroup, and a friend should not present Bible study as addiction treatment.

Camillus House describes meals, emergency housing and treatment services. Use the county helpline for shelter access rather than promising a place based on that description. If your wish is to help prepare or serve food, its volunteer instructions require registration and, for individual volunteers, orientation. Follow the current process; arriving with good intentions does not replace permission.

Ask about eligibility before announcing a library event

Miami-Dade Public Library's reservation page says qualifying nonprofit, governmental and educational use carries no room fee. That does not establish that every informal gathering qualifies. Its third-party policy requires a completed request and evidence of nonprofit or equivalent community-group status for that category. Describe your gathering accurately and ask the branch how the rules apply.

The published room list includes Hispanic Branch at 1398 SW First Street, telephone 305-643-8574. It is a place to inquire about space, not an existing Bible-study venue we have booked. A willing host's table avoids a public-room application, though the host still needs permission to use the space. Our Miami Bible-study guide helps you plan the reading itself.

A Miami connection starts with a useful message

Want to read Jesus' teaching with other people? Write to us through the form. Include the area you can get to, the language you're comfortable discussing in and whether you'd like to attend or help host. We'll tell you what is possible; a language preference does not mean a matching group is already available.

Miami contacts are growing. A small group on Google Meet may be the first place to read together while local introductions develop. We ask permission before sharing anyone's contact details. There is no charge, offering or membership payment.