(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Pamela Smith, administrative assistant to Pastor Darwan Lazard at Ninth Missionary Baptist Church.)
While Monday, December 15, started with seasonally cool temperatures, the warm hearts of volunteers from St. John and Ninth Baptist Churches were at work to serve the needy and less fortunate of the Ville Platte/Evangeline Parish community.
Each church has operated its food bank since 2014. Rita Jack serves as Director of St. John’s Food Bank while Phyllis Green gives leadership to the Ninth Baptist Food Bank. Both ladies were very pleased by the volunteers from each church and the community, who labored untirelessly to serve 390 plus families in less than four hours.
Reverend Darwan Lazard, who serves as pastor of the Ninth Missionary Baptist Church of Ville Platte, thanked all volunteers, Pastor Freddie Jack of St. John, Director Rita Jack, and Director Phyllis Green for making this community event a huge success. Lazard stated both churches are inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35 and 40, which says, “For I was hungry and you gave me meat: I was thirsty and you gave me drink: I was a stranger and you took me in...Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.”
Reverend Freddie Jack said, “Amen and Praise God! I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship on today. It was a day of "ministry!”
“Your good deeds should speak so loud that it drowns out what you say,” said Phyllis Green. She continued, “Let your light so shine before men that they see only Jesus Christ in you!”
Director Rita Jack said, “It was great combining! It felt good! It was a good spiritual feeling and a blessing! We had fun in the Lord!”
Both churches will continue seeking ways to partner to meet the needs of the people of Evangeline Parish.
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