Hope for the Holidays

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO/SJBC) — Saint John Baptist Church brought hope, health, healing and peace to some 600 folks in the Midlands through its 16th annual Hopeful Fellowship Evangelistic Outreach Ministry program. Saint John Baptist Church, Greenview First Baptist Church and Christ Central Church ministered to those less fortunate in the community by providing health screenings, along with flu shots, toys for kids and an inspirational message of hope, in an effort to make sure those who are less fortunate aren’t left out in the cold, literally, like the family of four Deacon Donald Gist says he found sleeping in their car this morning. “We were able to put the family up and find them lodging,” said Gist. “Now, those little girls won’t have to spend Christmas in the back seat of a car in the cold.” Gist says the purpose of the annual program is to reach the whole person and extended ministry beyond the four walls of a church, a sentiment echoed by the pastor, Dr. Jamey Graham. “The church needs to be on the front lines of meeting the needs of the community,” said Graham. Pharmacists from Walgreen’s provided flu shots; Palmetto Health will be provided diabetes and prostrate screenings; and the Columbia Fire Department provided bicycles and smoke detectors, with installation. On their way out, folks were given a goodie bag with clothes, toiletries and other items inside they can use long after Christmas is over. The Hopeful Fellowship Evangelistic Outreach Ministry was established in 1997 by Saint John Baptist Church. Over the years, the ministry has grown from Saint John Baptist Church to include other churches. Additionally, the focus has expanded beyond the worship service and fellowship dinner to include distribution of personal care packages, workshops on community health and wellness.