The Redeeming Love Christian Church in Conyers is preparing to feed one hundred families in the Newton/Rockdale County area during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Kroger Company is partnering to provide 50 turkeys for the Thanksgiving boxes. RLCC members donated all the trimmings — green beans, collards, turnips, corn, mashed potatoes, candied yams, stuffing and cornbread mix, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce and a $10 gift card to purchase perishable items.
"This means a great deal to Pastor Tanya and me, as well as the Redeeming Love family," said Sr. Pastor Arthur "Jamie" Croone who envisioned the project. "We passed out flyers in the community this past Sunday and the church office phone has not stopped ringing."
Food bank director, Minister Drusilla Smith heads the RLCC Feed the Family Project. Committee members include Kevin Willis, Pastor Isaac Madison, Tenesha Benton, Revella Woods, Marcus and Sherry Haynes and Kim Rutherford. While Smith was instrumental in menu details and garnering support, Willis led an outreach crew as they canvassed targeted neighborhoods passing outdoor hangers to promote the program.
26 families have responded to date. Once the quota is met, the people who continue to call will be placed first on the list to receive one of the fifty Christmas dinners."The boxes will include a letter from Pastor Croone regarding his passion for this project, messages on CD, a post card, a special invitation to attend youth Sunday on Nov. 22 and handwritten letters from the children’s ministry," said Smith.
The daughter of Marcus and Marea Sheppard, writes, "My name is Micah. I am 10 years old and I have been a member of RLCC for one year. I like to read and write stories. My family and I are happy that we are able to share this season with you."
Iyanna, daughter of Youth Pastor Mario and Shiela Smith said, "I have been a member of RLCC for 4 ½ years and I am very happy that you would allow my family and me to share in this holiday season. It is our prayer that your family has been blessed, and that you would come out and fellowship with us soon."
DeKharrian Brown, son of Tenesha Benton writes, "My name is Khorri and I am in the third grade. I am 8 years old. I have been a member of RLCC for 4 ½ years. I love to dance, read and play drums. Season’s greeting."
Brianna Madison, Amiyah Croone, and Zack Pearson also wrote letters and will be on hand to help pack and decorate the food boxes.
Pastor Madison spoke on the importance of service as he quoted the late Dr. Martin Luther King, "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve."
"We are all blessed to be a blessing to someone," Madison continued. "When you find yourself having been blessed, you want to reach back when you are in a position to be a blessing. During this season, it is difficult for families. We want people to be able to experience God through us."
Those who sign up will have appointed time slots to pick up the Thanksgiving boxes on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delivery accommodations will be made for those who are not able to come to the church.
"Our goal is to see lives changed," said Smith. "Yes, we can help in a small way by the boxes we are donating, but their lives will be enriched so much more if the ones who do not know Christ will come to accept him. That will be the ultimate reward and gift for us."
Smith said she is pleased with the generous support of the church families. Rather than contributing individual items for the Christmas boxes, they have volunteered to be responsible for an entire box each.
RLCC extends an invitation for grocers to partner for future community outreach projects.
Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. The Redeeming Love Christian Church is located at 1931 Old Covington Road in Conyers. To place your name on the list for a holiday food box, call (770) 922-1491 on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.redeeming.org.
