Praise God for the L.O.T.S Ministry. It is such a joy to know that people give of themselves to those in need regardless of the problems with the economy. God Bless each of you.
In a world shaken by sadness, terrorism and a crumbling economy, there was still plenty to be thankful for Thursday.
At the L.O.T.S. Ministry on Broad Street, where about 600 people enjoyed the group's annual Feast in the Street, director Leon Jordan Sr. reminded guests and volunteers to count their blessings.
"Everyone should give God the honor and glory for this beautiful day," he said. "And everyone should remember to pray for what you want."
Thursday's celebration and dinner was dedicated to the memory of Betty Crenshaw, the ministry's founder, who died in June at age 78. At the podium, an empty chair symbolized her absence.
"She brought people off the street, fed them, clothed them and helped them," said her daughter, Vickie Crenshaw, who often helped her mother with the ministry's many year-round programs. "We're going to do everything we can to keep this place open."
A few miles away, cars and buses shuttled hungry guests to East Augusta Middle School, where Greater Young Zion Baptist Church volunteers worked to make sure no one went hungry during its fourth annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
Cooking started Tuesday and culminated before daylight Thursday, when the last of 131 turkeys had been baked to perfection, said Bertha Jackson, one of the main cooks. "We've done this before, so we were ready."
The menu, which included ham, gravy, beans and "Miss Bertha's Country Dressing," delighted a crowd of guests that was expected to number more than 1,000.
Rebekah Brown, 5, summed up the meal in a single word: "great." Then she was ready for ice cream.
Pastor William Blount, whose church and its affiliate, Koinonia Community Development Corp., sponsor the annual event, took the opportunity to unite the crowd in prayer.
"Thanksgiving is more than a holiday," he said. "It's a way of life. Every day, we should be rejoicing, praying and giving thanks."
A holiday meal, he added, is no substitute for being close to God.
"We'll feed you today," Dr. Blount said. "He'll feed you forever."
Reach Rob Pavey at (706) 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
NEEDS RISE
With more Americans feeling the weight of the economic downturn, those who oversee U.S. food banks and shelters say they're seeing many new faces.
"Food bank after food bank tells me it's ... people they haven't seen before," said Ross Fraser, of Feed America. "They will tell you it's the worst it's ever been."
-- Associated Press
Comments
Praise God for the L.O.T.S Ministry. It is such a joy to know that people give of themselves to those in need regardless of the problems with the economy. God Bless each of you.
Emaciation is not the problem in Augusta. Obesity is the problem. Give away freed food and they will come. Until alcoholics and dope addicts hit rock bottom they are not going to change. These ministries enable them. I sincerely think that these ministries do more harm than good. support www.hongkongaugustaga.org
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