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'We Care' Thanksgiving meal feeds bodies, souls
Photo by Megan Sprague
Vickie Woods, Dora Carter and Nakia Campbell help serve meals during the “We Care” Outreach Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday.
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Published: November 22, 2009
Those attending the seventh annual "We Care" Outreach Ministry Thanksgiving dinner Saturday left with full stomachs and, hopefully, a lighter heart.
"We modeled this dinner after the scripture that says, 'When I was hungry, you fed me, when I was thirsty, you gave me drink,' " said Tanza Turner, who helped organize the meal at the Bristol Center in Statesville. "We want to give the gift of love today."
She said the need is even greater this year because of the poor economy.
"This year may be one of the biggest dinners we've ever served because of that very reason," she said. "It's great that members of Interfaith Deliverance and the United House of Prayer, as well as some of the other churches in the area, are here today helping us. It really takes a village."
Pastor Anthony Turner signaled the start of the meal by saying a prayer and reading scripture. When the meal was done, clothes donated by church members and the community were handed out.
"We just want to touch the hearts and minds of the people in our community," the pastor said. "I got to hear the stories of the people from the shelter when I drove over there to pick them up for this meal. I heard their histories, their hurts and fears. I'm glad to do this for the community. I just want to see their smiles and the love."
In years past, Tanza said, the Thanksgiving dinner has provided opportunities to make a difference.
"One man came in here and said he didn't have any socks, and someone immediately drove over to Family Dollar and grabbed a few packs to distribute," she said. "Another girl gave her brand-new Air Force Ones to someone who had no shoes. In order to be disciples of God, we have to give willingly, not grudgingly, and practice what we preach."
"Our name, 'We Care,' really speaks for itself," Pastor Turner said. "I'm glad we can come together be-cause I believe God chose us to bless this area and Iredell County."
Margaret Campbell helped prepare the dinner and came to spend time with her friends and family.
"It's good to reach out to people who don't have as much and give them a great dinner," she said. "No matter what church you go to, fellowship like this is wonderful."
Aquilla Freeman agreed and said, "I'll come out anytime to help provide for someone else."
Otto Borden was traveling from Virginia and happened to hear about the dinner as he passed through.
"I heard through word of mouth and I was interested in learning more about Christianity," he said. "Events like these give hope, especially in these rough economic times, when people have no jobs, no money and are turning to drugs. We're living life on life's terms and I'm glad that they're giving us the right kind of hope."
Tanza said the ministry's next event will be the annual Christmas dinner on Dec. 17, where they will also be handing out clothes and toys for the children.
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