Community Service Event Held in Louisiana
NEW IBERIA, LA. – On March 2, 2024, Helvis C. Moody, Southwestern Union young adult and youth ministries director; Gregory Hines, pastor of the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Iberia; Bo and Deborah Gendke, Southwestern Union Adventist Community Services (ACS) directors; Darriel Hoy, Southwest Region Conference community service director; and Angela Horn, president of South Louisiana Youth Federation (SLYF) hosted a remarkable community event at the Martin Luther King Center in New Iberia, La.
Over 150 congregants gathered for a memorable worship service that uplifted hearts and souls. Anointed Vessels led the congregation in heartfelt worship, setting the tone for a spiritually enriching experience. The music, accompanied by soul-stirring vocals from SLYF, stirred emotions and deepened the connection with the divine. Moody delivered a powerful message, titled “Pay It Forward,” urging people to have compassion in their daily lives.
Following the worship service, congregants were treated to a delicious lunch provided by SLYF, fostering fellowship among attendees. The shared meal served as a reminder of the importance of community and the bonds that unite individuals in their journey of faith. Next, a vibrant parade through the streets of New Iberia featured over 20 vehicles, as well as Pathfinders from Louisiana and Texas who marched proudly as ambassadors of the Gospel. With banners waving and voices raised in song, the procession carried the message of compassion, hope, love and salvation to the hearts of onlookers, spreading the light of faith throughout the community. The parade served as a visible expression of the church’s commitment to outreach and evangelism, inviting all to experience the transformative power of God’s love.
The highlight of the day was the contribution made by Southwestern Union Adventist Community Services (ACS), whose substantial donation of thousands of essential items to the New Iberia community proved instrumental in meeting the immediate needs of the community. From cleaning kits to kitchen necessities, masks, blankets, pillows, shoes and toys, the generous gifts from the Southwestern Union ACS helped alleviate burdens faced by many families.
The event, which drew attendees from various walks of life, showcased the strength of unity within the community as volunteers and organizers worked tirelessly to ensure its success. Volunteers included Bo and Deborah Gendke, directors of the Southwestern Union ACS team; Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinders (Covington, La.); Darriel Hoy and the Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church 1,000th Challenge Mission team (Baton Rouge, La.); Baytown United Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinders (Baytown, Tex.); Gregory Hines and members of Shiloh Adventist Church (New Iberia, La.); and hosts of SLYF members. All lent their hands in distributing the donated items, fostering a sense of compassion and kindness that resonated throughout the event. From organizing to coordinating with the Southwestern Union and SLYF, every aspect of the event was meticulously planned to maximize its reach and efficacy.
Hines expressed gratitude for the support from both volunteers and donors, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in creating lasting change. “Today’s event is a testament to the resilience of our community and the compassion that binds us together,” remarked Hines. “Through collective efforts, we have shown that we are here for the New Iberia community.” Residents echoed similar sentiments, expressing appreciation for the assistance received and the sense of unity fostered by the event. For many, the community gathering served as a source of hope and inspiration, reaffirming their belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. In the end, the success of the event was not measured solely by the number of items distributed, but by the collective effort and solidarity displayed by all involved. It served as a reminder to live with more compassion.
By Milissia JohnBaptiste-Cole
