WS Chronicle

The congregation of Miracle Temple Deliverance strongly believes in giving back.  This past Saturday, members held a “Back to School Block Party,” giving away clothes, school supplies and free food to the surrounding community.

The church has been holding this event for nearly a decade.  Joan Gray, Bishop Charlie Jenkins’ daughter, says she knows the church is small with not many children but they wanted to do something for the community to set a good tone for the start of the school year.

“We wanted to do this for the neighborhood to promote to the area that we are here,” she said.  “We want to let people know that we are doing things for the community, so we decided to do this for the people that are in need.”

The clothes, food and school supplies were all donated from members of the church. The church also brought in bounce houses for the kids to enjoy. They canvassed the surrounding neighborhood to invite people to come out.  The local fire department was also on hand to advise families of fire safety.

Danielle White of Engine 11 on Waughtown Street says she enjoys coming to these events because many people are not aware of the many fire hazards that are in their homes.  She was joined by fellow firefighters Geoffrey Hunolt and Grady Armstrong who said they prefer to prevent fires by educating people rather than putting them out.

Angela Bryant, church member for the past seven years, says the people of Miracle Temple loves kids and any way they can make an impact in their lives is a blessing.

“I love people and I love children so to be able to be a part of something that is helping in the community makes me feel great,” Bryant said.  “All children are not fortunate to have parents provide for all their needs so it is important for the church that’s in the community to help those parents that are in need.

“It takes some pressure off of the parents and it lets the parents know that if they don’t have it there is somewhere I can go to that can help with my children,” she continued.  “It lets the kids know that there is someone else that is willing to help and sets a great example for the kids to give back to others when they can.”

Camille Calhoun, church administrator, has been planning for this event since late last year.  She says she asked the congregation to start bringing in supplies and donations so they would be able to help as many people as possible.

“It’s awesome because if we can’t give back to the community then we can’t grow as a church,” said Calhoun.  “Jesus went out into the harvest and that is what we are supposed to do.  In order for us to walk this walk with Christ we have to go out into the community and help the people.  It’s trying times now and they have to know that there is still hope.”

A young mother who asked to remain nameless said, “This is going to be a big help for me and my kids.  People don’t realize how much these little things can add up to, especially if you have multiple children.”