WS Chronicle

By Felecia Piggott-Long, Ph.D.

I was honored to take part in the Harvest Call, along with more than 80 residents from the local community who answered the Harvest Call on Saturday, Oct. 19, held at Alpha and Omega Church of Faith from 12 – 3 p.m. The vision for the Harvest Call was delivered to Minister Kathy Torrey and me. The members of Alpha and Omega Church of Faith were delighted to support this effort.

Minister Joseph Anderson and I led the opening welcome song “Funga,” as the audience played African instruments. Minister Kathy Torrey and the Alpha and Omega choir sang the song, “God Did It!” and singer, entrepreneur and playwright Janice Price Black sang “Jesus” by Shirley Caesar. Ben Piggott and I rapped “What Happened to the Dream?” about Dr. King as the children played African instruments. I also performed “The Negro Mother” and “Harriet Tubman Didn’t Take No Stuff” by Eloise Greenfield. 

Minister Torrey, my armor bearer, was in prayer and meditation when the Spirit of God spoke to her saying, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Will you help me to gather the harvest?” Torrey said as she explained the source of her vision from God, “God called me to bring the Body of Christ together to bless the people in the community, to let them know that God loves them.

“I had never had an encounter with God during which He spoke to me in an audible voice. I was struck by this interaction with the Holy Spirit. I spoke with one of my friends, the late Min. Devette Campbell, and we worked on the project together the first year. We started out going to nursing homes like Forsyth Village. We would pack bags of candy and small gifts for the residents. We would sing, pray and reach for the people. They loved it! And so did we.”

That was ten years ago that the project began, but over the years, the ministry has grown and changed. At one point 25 churches joined in to assist with providing food, clothes and ministry in the community. Also, several agencies assisted with supplies and resources. The businesses that have remained include Texas Roadhouse, Zoe’s and Food Lion.

The message I preached during the meal was “Faith is an Equal Opportunity Business,” which was based on the text, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

I said, “Faith is open to all of us! Have faith in God. God is moved by your faith. God honors faith. Faith will save your house. Rahab made a decision to stand on the side of God’s people, the Israelites. Rahab was a harlot in Jericho. God did not love her conduct, but He loved her. When Joshua sent spies into Jericho to scout out the land, Rahab hid the spies. She took action on her faith. She was not yet saved, but she believed that God would deliver her when Jericho fell to the Israelites. God honored her faith. All of the other homes in Jericho were destroyed. The only house that God saved in the city was the house where the prostitute lived. Regardless of your position or your past, God raises people up equally. Having faith is an equal opportunity for all,.” 

Min. Torrey was very thankful to God and all of the people God called to assist her in the ministry this year for the Harvest Call.

“The Harvest Call has expanded this year because we have connected with a pastor after God’s own heart. We always had enough food to serve the people, but this year we had volunteers to come forward who also have hearts for God,” said Min Torrey. “They came to provide more than enough new and gently used garments, shoes and coats for the winter. They also were willing to bless the people with poetry and song. The people were blessed with big bags of clothes and shoes for free. Some children who had no shoes received new shoes on Sunday that were ordered online on Saturday afternoon.”

Volunteers used their talents and gifts to bless the people with music and creative messages. Volunteers came from various churches. Jeremy and Ruby Johnson of Union Baptist Church shared information about voting and answered questions about healthcare. Regeania Huntley of St. Paul United Methodist Church assisted with the clothes giveaway. Dr. Elwanda Ingram, former professor of English at Winston-Salem State University, came to support the efforts of the volunteers and the guests. Dr. Ingram attends Greater Church. Pastor Nathan Mumford and Min. Andrienne Mumford and their children from Mt. Calvary Holy Church supported the gathering with their attendance, and their children assisted with playing instruments for the rap “What Happened to the Dream?” Janice Price Black brought a song from Mount Zion Baptist Church. Erick and Courtney Caesar assisted with logistics for the event. They hail from the Community Mosque.

During the gathering men and women came with their friends and family members to enjoy food, fellowship, gospel music, poetry, rap music, clothes giveaways, and door prizes. By answering historical questions about the city of Winston-Salem, adults and children won artwork, flags, and books written by me. 

“I was so glad to have the opportunity to meet my brothers and sisters from Alpha and Omega Church. I felt like I was among family at the Harvest Call,” said Minister Adrienne Mumford.

Whitley and her children came out to fellowship at the Harvest Call. This was her first time coming to Alpha and Omega Church. “I saw the event advertised on Facebook, and I recognized Pastor Felecia’s face. I enjoyed the sermon so much. I felt like you were talking right to me as you spoke,” Whitley said. “Now look at all of the blessings I have received by coming into the House of the Lord. I will be back,” shesaid.

The vision of God for the Harvest Call is based on the scripture “For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat:  I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in” (Matthew 25:35).