Members of Lowrys First Baptist Church have been involved in several missions efforts recently.
Church member Marlene Castles celebrates with Steve Logan during “Christmas in August.”During Vacation Bible School, 162 attended, and missions offerings were collected for Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes were filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and personal notes from the children as gifts of hope to children around the world.
Later, the Young Believers youth group traveled to Big Creek Missions in Bear Branch, Ky., to partner with churches from across the country to serve the people of the Appalachia mountains. In groups of 15, they traveled daily into the community to serve.
In August, a group traveled to the coal-mining community of Jenkins Jones, W. Va., where they assisted missionary Harold Ward. Donations were given by the church members to provide 100 book bags filled with school supplies. With the assistance of three other churches, new shoes were also distributed. During the salvation message, three people made professions of faith. Church members are now collecting hats and gloves for their return trip in November. Also, donations of school supplies were given to the Christ Central Ministries for Chester County students.
The Stay Young and Happy and the Young at Heart senior group members celebrated Christmas in August with shut-ins. The groups visited and gave Christmas cards, gifts, popcorn and a balloon.
September’s mission project was Make A Difference Day, to promote a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. The children assisted the Chester County Senior Companions in collecting more than 1,000 packs of ramen noodles in memory of Frances Bramlett Stephenson, a devoted church member for more than 62 years. In 1996, as the Chester County senior companion director, she began a project to provide meals to senior citizens during the holiday season. This year the noodles will be included in bags of non-perishable food and distributed to Chester county senior citizens and needy families.
Children fill shoeboxes with gifts for Operation Christmas Child.