| News
Archive - Article 36
Operation Compassion Commences Distribution At First American
Dream Center
3/25/02
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American
Indian children waiting to receive snacks during distribution.
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On February 15, 2002, Operation Compassion started food distribution
for the first time in the newly built First American Dream Center
in Gallup, New Mexico. Several hundred American Indian families
participated in this endeavor lead by David Lorency, International
Field Director for Operation Compassion and James Rodgers, Coordinator,
First American Dream Center and Reverend Jerry Tom, Pastor, Window
Rock Church of God.
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Clothing
to be distributed to American Indian families.
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This distribution was an event that illustrated to the tribal leadership
the impact of the future ministries involved in erecting the First
American Dream Center. The food, clothing and toys were taken from
the Dream Center to the Window Rock Church of God for final distribution
to every family in attendance. The tribal leadership was on hand
to observe the distribution and the products to be given away. Without
a doubt, Operation Compassion made an impact that will lead to the
dedication scheduled for May 2002.
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Pastor Jerry
Toms and Associate Pastor Ron Harvey standing in front of
Window Rock.
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The level of commitment Operation Compassion has made to them by
building the First American Dream Center impressed the tribal leaders.
One leader remarked how good it was to see new products brought
to the reservation instead of used, worn out items that are typically
brought.
First American Dream Center consists of a 12,000 square foot warehouse,
restrooms, a meeting room, all designed to provide lift and redemption
and a 1,200 square foot home for the Coordinator. All of this in
close proximity to the reservation. The dedication, Celebration
of the Nations, for the first American Dream Center is scheduled
for May 8-10, 2002 with a series of special events designed to illustrate
to the American Indians that Operation Compassion cares about them
and wants to help lift their standard of living while redeeming
them to God through the Gospel message (Matthew 25).
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James Rodgers
unloading first semi-truck of products at First American Dream
Center.
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Celebration of the Nations will begin with a revival thrust by
Reverend Floyd Lawhon entitled A Gathering of the American Indians
from April 30 – May 8, 2002. At the same time, Jimmy Jones
will be conducting a Kid’s Crusade. On Saturday, May 9, 2002,
a special street carnival will be sponsored providing plenty of
rides, games and other special activities, toys and special give-a-ways
for the children. On Saturday afternoon, 1,000 50-pound boxes of
food will be given away to the families living on the reservation.
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Semi-truck
in front of Window Rock Church of God.
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In preparation for this dedicatory event, Operation Compassion
will be sending fifteen semi-trucks loaded with food, clothing,
toys, drinks and snacks. However, this is only the beginning. The
commitment of Operation Compassion is ongoing and semi-trucks will
be rolling in and out of First American Dream Center on a regular
basis providing for the basic needs of life for families on the
reservation including building supplies.
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Men of Window
Rock Church of God unloading semi-truck by hand.
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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
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