The Arkansas First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ donated canned goods to the Salvation Army, Neighbor to Neighbor and Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Services (TOPPS) Tuesday.
The ministry made the presentations during the second annual Auxiliaries in Ministry convention being held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center through Friday. More than 500 delegates from churches in Arkansas are expected to attend the convention.
During the press conference Tuesday, convention planner Eva McGee introduced Elder Cedric Smith, chairman of AIM.
“This is a time of empowerment, training, and worship,” Smith said. “We are helping individuals in need and we are grateful for the recipients of Neighbor to Neighbor, TOPPS, and Salvation Army.”
Smith said this a good way for the church to give back to the community of Pine Bluff.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Bishop Jewel Withers Jr., prelate of the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, expressed how grateful he was to God for this year’s convention. Withers also said he was grateful for all the people who have served all year.
“Pine Bluff has laid out the red carpet for us and I am so grateful for that,” Withers said.
He added that they not only came to get served but to give back to the community through their donations.
“Pine Bluff will be tremendously blessed and I’m excited about what God is doing,” Withers said.
Withers welcomed the recipients of the three organizations to the podium.
Executive director of Neighbor to Neighbor, Charlotte England, thanked the church for their donations. The donations will be going toward their senior citizens program, according to England.
“Thank you so much for your gift of love and food,” England said.
Neighbor to Neighbor specializes in providing service to those in need.
Capt. David Robinson, director of the Salvation Army, expressed his gratitude for the donations, saying that due to children being out of school for the summer, the agency sees twice the number of people coming to Salvation Army to eat. He said the cans of food will go a long a way.
“This is just such a blessing. Thank you for your time and love,” he said.
Salvation Army is an international organization that also helps people in need.
Annette Dove, executive director of TOPPS, said that thanks to the ministry’s donations, they will help feed up to 500 children. Dove said she was honored to be at the convention.
“Without your heart of giving we couldn’t do what we do,” she said.
TOPPS provides children and families with services needed to break negative cycles associated with poverty.
According to McGee, they were still counting the number of canned foods donated Tuesday afternoon but estimated close to 6,000 cans were given. The 135 churches represented are each donating two cases of canned goods each.
The ministry will continue its convention until Friday at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Along with the press conference, other activities and opportunities for families will take place.
Scholastic motivation, Bible bowl, spelling bee competitions, math, drill teams, and tours of recreational and educational sites throughout Pine Bluff will be available for anyone interested in attending.
According to a press release, AIM’s mission is to advance kingdom evangelism and discipleship.
Special guest Karen Clark-Sheard, a national evangelist of the Church of God in Christ and a recording artist, will minister Thursday.
The public is invited to the mid-day and 6 p.m. services throughout the week in the auditorium of the convention cnter.