God’s Closet

TULSA – Parents often find it financially challenging to provide clothing for their growing little ones. In order to meet the needs of parents and children in its surrounding community, the First Tulsa Seventh-day Adventist Church’s ministry, God’s Closet, offers an opportunity for families to “shop” for new and gently used children’s apparel for free.

Every three months, families are invited to come to a God’s Closet Shop Day event, set up in the church fellowship hall and in the Tulsa Adventist Academy gym, where they can shop for free children’s clothes. The clothing is donated by local businesses and individuals.

On Nov. 3, 2018, 104 community families (around 300 people) attended the church’s first God’s Closet Shop Day event. In addition to clothing, free sample items and refreshments were offered, along with a drawing for a generous collection of special baby things for new/expectant moms. The mother who received these items was extremely grateful.

In the shopping area there was a spiritual care table, staffed by an Adventist pastor and church members. The pastor and members were available to have prayer with the families, answer questions, offer information about our church and Bible studies, and more.

As a result of this community event, 20 people requested Bible studies. Follow-up activities are planned and underway for those who attended the Shop Day.

Brandi Bowen leads the team of volunteers who make the God’s Closet ministry possible. She had this to say about the November 3 God’s Closet Shop Day:

“It was so impressive to see not only the smiles on the faces of the shoppers and children that came through, but also the volunteers.

“Everyone that came through that building that day was blessed. We built new relationships, opened new doors of communication, met the needs of many families, and became more united with one another.”

By Judi Carrico

Photos by Tom Huff