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December 17- The Pittsburg Church effectively demonstrated that love is indeed an action word by engaging in community service. The church members, though small in number, proved that with the Holy Spirit, they could indeed be impactful and mighty in the service of the Master.
Under the direction of Joyce Richardson, coordinator for women's ministry, the church members were divided into three teams, each with a specific service area.
The first team prayed and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead the way as they entered a local Walmart and gave shoppers $25 gift certificates. Team members greeted the shoppers by saying that God loves them and they wanted to share God's blessing with them. Many recipients were deeply touched, tears were shed, and some confessed that this was a miracle! A total of 30 gift certificates were given out.
The second team, carrying beautiful fruit basket gifts, visited sick and homebound members. The group prayed with them and provided much-appreciated fellowship. The message was clear; these people are loved, important, and not forgotten.
The third team remained at church in a season of prayer. There were intercessory prayers for the sick, bereaved, and those in need. Each team member prayed a "personal prayer" to God that the Holy Spirit would prepare their hearts and create a passion for Christian service. Finally, there was a prayer of thanksgiving.
The following Sabbath representatives from each group enthusiastically shared their experiences:
Jeanice Warden-Washington, a member of the Walmart gifting team, retells the reaction of a woman that cried and hugged her "like she was a some long lost relative.” Barbara Jones, another team member, said, “One woman confessed she was wondering 'how we were going to pay for all this stuff' and what a blessing the gift was to her.”
Sharon Evans, a prayer team member, said she could "feel the fire coming from heaven."
David Wright of the visitation team said, "If you want to enjoy Sabbath like never before- do something for others. It is like a holiday.”
Damon Washington, pastor explains, "Our church shows that love in action, fueled by the Holy Spirit, can impact the community and produce great joy for all concerned. To God be the glory!"
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