Marching for Jesus Ministries, a non-denominational Christian ministry, founded by Helen Edwards of Grand Bay, Ala., plans to feed more than 1,000 people turkey and God’s word a week before Thanksgiving.
While the meal is an important part of the outreach, Edwards said it's the attention from the person giving the food that is the true gift. "It blesses them in one way or another that somebody cared about them," she said. “Those benefiting from those ministries come to the meal with burdens and concerns. The meal and fellowship help brighten their day. They're getting love behind it. They can't help but feel love from it," she said.
Rev. Gene Emswiler of Three Rivers Assembly of God Church also has received positive feedback about the dinner. "It's tremendous. I believe it's a worthy project," he said. "It's important because it's following the commandment of the Lord. We should love our neighbor as ourselves. I believe what she is doing is manifesting the compassion of the Lord. We should be living our lives for others and I think she is doing that in a tremendous fashion."
Volunteers and donations are needed to make the eighth annual dinner a success Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve the food to those who will attend the dinner Nov. 18 at Magnolia Springs Assembly of God, and also to deliver meals to shut-ins in the three-county area.
Besides volunteers, the ministry needs hams, turkeys, potatoes, eggs, desserts, canned green beans, English peas, yams and cranberry sauce and carry-out containers and small cups with lids. The ministry hopes feed over 1,000 people and surpass the 900 meals that were served at the pre-Thanksgiving event.
