Fondren Southwest Seventh-day Adventist Worship Center dedicated a newly acquired 53-foot refrigerated trailer on July 4, 2026, during a celebration of its Adventist Community Services (ACS) ministry.
The cold chain emergency relief trailer is designed to keep temperature-sensitive supplies refrigerated for distribution during disasters. Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt, who attended the dedication, highlighted its role in supporting communities affected by hurricanes, floods, extreme heat, and major power outages.
After the worship service opened with a procession of ACS team members wearing the ministry’s yellow and burgundy shirts, Senior Pastor John T. Boston II delivered a 10-minute message titled “Independence Isn’t the Same as Freedom,” based on 1 Peter 2:16. He emphasized that humanity was not created to live independently of God and that life’s purpose is found in serving others. Boston also recognized the ACS team members who, under the leadership of Myrna Sharpe, come to the church Monday through Friday to help feed more than 1,000 families each month in the Missouri City and Houston area.
Carlton Byrd, D.Min., president of the Southwest Region Conference, sent video greetings in recognition of the soon-to-be-dedicated refrigerated trailer. He also noted that the event set a precedent among regional conference churches across North America.
Following the greetings, Sharpe and June Kelsick, Ph.D., presented proclamations and resolutions from civic officials, including John Whitmire, Houston mayor; Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston mayor pro tem; Grady Prestage, Fort Bend County commissioner; and Rodney Ellis, Harris County commissioner. Officials in attendance—including Commissioner Grady Prestage, state Rep. Ron Reynolds, Missouri City Police Chief Troy Finner, U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, and Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt—offered congratulations and support for the acquisition.
The congregation then gathered on the church grounds for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. A parade led by the Fondren Christ Crusaders Pathfinder Drill Team and horses brought the mobile storage unit onto the grounds amid cheers and a standing ovation.
After the ribbon-cutting, the celebration continued with giveaways of watermelon, frozen chicken, diapers, and free Kona Ice, along with a delicious meal prepared by Fondren’s hospitality team.
