The Shepherd's Staff recently had the priviledge of partnering with Bryant Missionary Baptist Church in the Normandale area to host a Care Fair. Coverage of the event was provided by The Montgomery Advertiser and those in attendence will tell you it was a very special day.


Linnie Dickson & Rev. William J. Pitts, Jr.

Rev. William J. Pitts, Jr., Senior Pastor of Bryant Missionary Baptist Church said, "We want to bring the community in and let them know we're here...we want to be a beacon of hope". Pastor Pitts and The Shepherd's Staff Executive Director Linnie Dickson agree that the best hope for struggling communities is the life-changing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

So, Saturday May 2, 2009 marked the beginning of a partnership between Bryant Missionary Baptist Church and The Shepherd's Staff Ministry to encourage and educate Normandale residents about Bryant Missionary and to share with them the good news of the gospel.

The Shepherd's Staff Minstry provided hot dogs, chips and drinks to all persons in attendence.
 
Here, Board Member Lea Wiggins and volunteer Peter Scott serve just a few of over 500 hot dogs prepared that day.


Most of day
was spent in fellowship between volunteers from The Shepherd's Staff and members of the Bryant Missionary Baptist Church congregation.

Young and old alike enjoyed their time together.
Volunteers Trudy McFarland, Diane Scott and Linda Arrighi share a little time in the shade with one of the younger attendees.

In addition to the hot dogs and drinks, kids were treated to snowcones. They needed the energy to keep up with each other on the rides assembled on the grounds of the church.  As you can see, they had loads of energy... and lots of good, clean fun as well.

   
     

While the kids played outside, inside people had the opportunity to "shop" at the free clothes closet set up inside Bryant Missionary.  All of the dontated clothing was placed on hangers and sorted by volunteers.



Linnie Dickson and Rev. Pitts both agreed that bringing the gospel to people  in the area while providing assistance with basic needs such as food and clothing can make a considerable difference.

The Shepherd's Staff feels blessed to have the opportunity to particiapte with the congregation at Bryant Missionary.  To see people who care enough to reach across boundaries of gender and race and denomination to reach their local community with the life changing message of the gospel is special to us and to our heavenly Father.

That's what the Care Fair was all about.  Making a difference in the lives of people for a day.... with a message that will make a difference in their lives for all of eternity.  

  The Shepherd's Staff Ministry, Inc  .  P.O. Box 201203  .  Montgomery, AL  .  36120  .  334.281.0683