WS Chronicle

Since opening their doors to the community in August, Shekinah Glory Christian Church has made a point to make their presence felt. For the holiday season, the church partnered with Toys for Tots to give toys and other supplies for those in need in the community.

Last Saturday, the church welcomed the community in to select toys for their children, along with providing turkeys for the families as well. The church provided toys for children ages two to ten. Senior Pastors Apostle Mark and Lillian Spell said they believe in going beyond the walls of the church to assist the community.

“We saw that there was a community need,” said Lillian Spell about the toy giveaway. “We have always had a love for people in general and helping people in any way we could, especially during this time with COVID with so many people out of work.”

Apostle Spell added, “We wanted to be an alternative to the negativity that people are experiencing in their lives at this present time. Something more than just a church or somewhere to come and praise God; we want to also serve as a beacon or alternative to the negativity. We don’t just want to do it from the standpoint of Christmas, we are looking at it on every level as it relates to everyday life.”

The church collaborated with Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps to add to the toys that were donated and purchased by the church and its members.  

“We have been collecting toys for about a month now,” said Rev. Emmanuel Bass, associate pastor of Shekinah Glory. “Even today our pastor went out and came back with a truckload of about 30 bicycles.”

Apostle Spell stated they would love to get some feedback from the community in order to properly supply them with what is needed most.

“We are looking for the community to let us know where the voids are that absolutely need to be filled,” he said. “Nothing fuels us more than to see people responding to the opportunity that God has given us to be a blessing. That response blesses us and fuels us to even go deeper.”

The Spells said it was intentional for them to hit the ground running and positively impact the community. They stated they have been doing the same thing for years wherever they have been located at the time.

“That is the backbone of our ministry and we have been in the ministry for over 20 years,” said Pastor Spell. “A lot of the things we are doing here, we have been doing for nearly 20 years in some shape or form in different areas. Our heart has always been with the community and with outreach.

“When we saw that we were going to be in this area, we knew that’s just a part of who we are and a part of our ministry. We knew that was our foundation and we are already thinking about what we want to do next.”

Apostle Spell was extremely appreciative to their community partners that assisted them with the event. He was also grateful toward his congregation for their participation as well.

“I think it’s huge when you start talking about the external groups that God has placed to help us,” he said. “By the same token, He has blessed us internally with people that have hearts and minds to be a blessing. 

“It’s awesome what can happen when you bring like-minded people that have a heart to do work together and then you have the facilities to facilitate. When you bring that all to the table, you should be able to make a meaningful change.”

Pastor Spell spoke of the tears of joy shed by one of the parents that registered for the toy giveaway. She stated it was a humbling experience to witness that.

“There is a sensitivity that goes along with it as well, because for some of these people, they have never been in this position to need this type of help,” Apostle Spell added. “When you reach out to give them whatever you are blessing them with, it’s an opportunity for us to minister to them and encourage them.”

The Spells are happy to see the fruits of their labor come to fruition, but realize there is more work to be done.

“My question when we are done is going to be, ‘Why did we only service 75 families?’,” he said. “There is more work to be done and how do we get the word out?”