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Highlands Today

Church Makes Giving Thanks Its Mission

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: November 27, 2008

AVON PARK - A mission-minded community church is showing its thanks by giving both to the local needy and to Haiti hurricane victims.

A couple of days before Thanksgiving, about two dozen church members gathered at the sanctuary of the Apostolic Church of Jesus, 920 S. Carolina Ave., Avon Park. They worked hard preparing Thanksgiving meals for the needy and shipping donated clothing to the Caribbean.

Bags of groceries and clothing were carried outside for shipping by younger church members, while Bishop Stanley Charles Smith talked about why the church's more than 60 members strongly support mission work.

"There is more need than before because of the economy," said Smith. "A lot of people just don't have."

Laura Austin, missionary, said it is "uplifting and fulfilling to be able to reach out and help those less fortunate."

Wayne Hudson, deacon, said the gift giving was an "expression of love."

"It's our job as a people," said Hudson. "We were created to serve the less fortunate and needy. I feel purposeful; it's rewarding and ultimately my duty."

The timing was right, said Austin, about the donation to Haiti victims. The church has fed the less fortunate for several years but the shipment to Haiti is new.

"With the economy, what better time?" Austin asked. "It's my duty to serve. Nothing we go through can compare to the suffering in Haiti."

Hudson said this is only the beginning of the church's worldwide mission to give relief when disaster strikes.

"When other countries are adversely affected, we're going to enlarge and expand," said Hudson.

The church will collect again in December and on a regular basis for worldwide mission work.

The Apostolic Church of Jesus also serves Saturday breakfasts, from 7 to 11 a.m.

To donate to future missions at the church, call 863-381-4931 or 863-873-9927.

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 863-386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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