| News
Archive - Article 27
Merry Christmas Birmingham
2/20/02
On December 8, 2001, Pastor Danny Owensby and the Living Word Ministries
partnered with Operation Compassion for "Merry Christmas Birmingham".
The Ministry is located in west Birmingam among the lowest income
families in this area of Alabama. In addition to the toys, stocking
stuffers, snacks and candy, the congregation raised funds to purchase
additional big ticket items such as bicycles and trains.
Time after time, when it appeared that their shopping was done
another name would be submitted. Of course, every name was representative
of a severe situation. The people of Living Word did not worry or
fret, they just kept raising money, buying toys and relying on God
to supply every request given. To their amazement, there was more
than enough to take care of each family when they arrived for the
big event.
The uniqueness of this event was in the fore thought of Robert
and Tammy James, Benevolence Director for Living Word Ministries.
Instead of the usual give away with children and parents in the
same place. Tammy divided them. The children went into an area where
a mini Kid’s Krusade was taking place. The children were occupied
while the parents were in another area receiving fifty-pound food
boxes in addition to all the toys and snacks. It was during this
time when the drawings for the large toys were done. The parents
had a chance to take all the toys to the car before the children
saw them thus preserving the secrecy until Christmas Day.
During the preparation of their event, story after story were relayed
to the church about how children would go without any toys on Christmas.
One such story involved a young man wanted to receive a bicycle.
As the parent related the story, not only would there not be a bike
but no toys at all. There just was not any money left after paying
all the bills. When it came time to draw his name, the church had
a brand new ten-speed bike for his parent to take home for Christmas
day!
A young widow and her son came to the church seeking assistance
for Christmas. Only two months earlier had they lost their husband
and father. The young widow was attending school but had to drop
out to find a job to support them. She was still unemployed and
desperate for any help. The only request from the son was for a
train. When his name was drawn, a rather elaborate train was given
to his mother for Christmas day.
On that single day, Living Word Ministries, gave 288 children eleven
toys each plus thirty-five grand prizes were drawn. They also distributed
fifty-pound food boxes, stocking stuffers, snacks, candy and soft
drinks to 150 families. However, rewarding this is, the greatest
fact was that fifty-six people rededicated or received Christ into
their lives.
The impact of that single day is still being felt two months later.
Living Word Ministries has started a full service Benevolence Ministry
serving twenty-five families from their Christmas contact, seven
church families and sixteen senior adults. Each month the Benevolence
Ministry gives food, clothing, furniture, emergency assistance and
yard work for the senior adults. Recently, a tutoring program and
Sidewalk Sunday School has been added. Summing up her motivation
for Benevolence Ministry, Tammy said, “God is faithful. If
we care for the widows, the orphans and the poor, He will provide.”
Tim Burdashaw
Communications Coordinator
Anyone interested in donating finances or products or providing
a corporate lead may contact:
Operation Compassion
David Lorency, President
114 Stuart Road, NE
Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.728.3932 - Office
423.596.4200 - Fax
|
