WS Chronicle

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

First Waughtown helps needy during Thanksgiving season

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY

THE CHRONICLE

A hearty meal during the Thanksgiving holiday is something some of us take for granted.  Some individuals are not in a situation to have a warm meal or the ability to fellowship with others.

First Waughtown Baptist Church at 838 Moravia St. held its annual “Feed My Sheep Day.”

According to organizers, the “Feed My Sheep Day” is a day they reach out to the homeless, those in need and to those who just need to hear about the love of God.

Roderick Antonio Livingston, who came for the meal and some clothes, said “I come from a drinking family and I’m just trying to figure out a way to change my life.  I’m tired of being a monster in a lot of ways.  I just want to dig myself out of this hole I’m in and coming here is the first step.

What they have done here at this church is great and it has touched me.”

The church provided a hot meal, new and used clothing and gave out gift bags with hats, gloves, socks and toiletry items.  Prayer and counseling was available upon request.  The church also provided transportation from various locations and shelters around the city.

Senior Pastor Dennis Bishop said his greatest satisfaction is seeing all the people of the church work together and reach out to the community.

“We open our doors to bring them in because that’s what I believe the church is all about,” Bishop said.  “Not just serving those within but outreach to the community is important.  Seeing people from different walks of life come together and seeing we are all equal.  Just to be able to break bread with them and let them know they are somebody is what ministry is all about.”

Missionary President Geneva Payne said, “We consider the people of God the sheep and we want to be a service to them.”

“Feed My Sheep” event coordinator Maria Wiggins said she starts planning for the event the day after the previous year’s event is over.  She said she wanted to give a special thanks to Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Lowe’s Food for donating gift cards to assist in their efforts. She also wanted to thank Best Buy for the employees donating funds for the goodie bags they gave out.

The individuals who came were first treated to an inspirational word from Elder Donald Littlejohn, then proceeded downstairs to look over the clothing.  They were then treated to a good meal and the fellowship of the church members.

The food was prepared by Barbara Coleman, who said she was happy to help because she loves cooking and loves giving back to the community.  She says she was glad they could have a full stomach and some clothes on their backs.

Church member Johnnetta Brown said, “This is all about the homeless population and making sure they know we love them.  I’ve been here for many, many years and I love what we do here.”