This isn’t the first time the church has mingled with residents, and it certainly won’t be the last. On the third Sabbath of each month, the church building closes and members venture into the community for what’s called “Down and Out."
The weather on Nov. 19 called for 20 degrees and several feet of snow but that didn’t stop Highland Avenue Church members in Michigan from braving the harsh conditions to distribute 200 gift bags and pray with families.
Benton Harbor residents warmed to the outreach effort and gladly accepted the goodie bags containing apples, Bible studies, children's Sabbath School lessons, natural remedy recipe for cold/flu, and a letter from the pastor.
“This is our beloved community and they’re important to us,” explained Highland Avenue Church Pastor Denry White.
The Lake Region church members heaped extra-special love on the residents of Blossom Acres, a public housing apartment complex located in a city ranked as one of the poorest and most dangerous places in Michigan.
After serving their community, members returned to the church and shared inspiring testimonies.
“One of our teens, Randy, shared that he and his partner encountered three missing members who were sick,” says White. “He and his co-laborer asked me to visit them, so my wife and I went and spent some time encouraging and praying with the sick members.”
The food was also greatly appreciated. Seth and Jalanni, two pastoral interns, saw a resident walking by eating and who yelled out to them, “this is the best apple I ever tasted.”
This isn’t the first time the church has mingled with residents, and it certainly won’t be the last. On the third Sabbath of each month, the church building closes and members venture into the community for what’s called “Down and Out."
“We have distributed gas and food cards at the gas stations and paid for laundry at the laundromat,” White notes. In December, the church is planning to partner with Andrews Academy to donate meal boxes to the same families at Blossom Acres.
“The disciples at Highland Church enjoy ministering to the community and spreading the love of Jesus Christ, no matter the temperature.”
Herald staff
