By LaBetha Casey
It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the December 1 Men of Prayer meeting held at the Stonewall Community Center. Wives were also invited to attend this meeting. Following the meal, Keith and Fontaine Simmons led the attendees in some Christmas carols.
Tom Gatti gave an update on the ministry outreach for the disadvantaged people who live in burned out houses, under bridges and other inadequate places in Shreveport. Each Saturday morning, a gospel service is provided with 40-100 people attending. The 318 church provides a community meal. Gatti’s challenge to the crowd was, “We need more volunteers. Bring your time to invest in someone’s life.” Blankets, coats, gloves, hats and other warm items that have been donated by the community will be distributed later this month.
The annual service award was presented to Bryan and Melissa Dupont with a local catering company. On the Saturday before Easter and on Christmas Day, they provided and prepared the food for a fish fry for more than 100 Shreveport displaced citizens. Mention was made of a local lady who provides cookies for dessert for each of the Men of Prayer meetings.
Two NDHS senior girls gave a personal testimony as guest speakers. The first was Patience Edwards who shared that early April marked the 5 year anniversary of her mother’s death. She began to experience some emotional distress and struggled with her faith. A time of healing and spiritual reconciliation came at a campfire while at a summer church camp and the song “I Will Carry You” was playing. The song ministered to her, and she began to again focus on reading her Bible and praying more.
Kaity Beth began her testimony by reading Psalm 31:6,7 and 11 Chronicles 7:14. She shared that during her freshman year of high school she began experiencing anxiety and worry and sought worldly friendships. Her family relationship was suffering as well. One of the sermons of her pastor was about God’s unfailing and unconditional love. Kaity prayed for God to change her, that she would have a better relationship with her parents and to find a best friend. God answered her prayers once she began to trust God. Her talk ended with Matthew 6:33 ” But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Kaity’s goal now is to share God’s message and to be a light to the world.
The meeting ended with door prizes being given to the lucky ticket holders. Poinsettias and other gifts were available for all the ladies.
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