In the News
Gospel event sounds note of unity
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By E. Richard Walton - STAFF WRITER
rwalton@greenvillenews.com
(Source: G’ville News)
Homeless, William McCullough, 44, sat in the grass and munched on a hamburger and chips, basking in the comfort of a gathering of Christians and prospective converts who converged on downtown Greenville Saturday.
"It's good," he said of the effort to reach out to him.
Organizers planned the GOspel OUTreach to bring together people who don't normally mix. It was part festival, part health clinic and part ministry for the homeless.
The event was held at the amphitheater behind the Peace Center for the Performing Arts.
McCullough said he has tried to find housing, but without success.
"I've been out here a month trying to find a place to stay," he said. "I've been to the Rescue Mission, but they're all filled."
The gospel outreach was a pleasant break from the normal for him.
The day was filled with dancers, mimes, step teams, and music of varying kinds. Groups came from such places as Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Hickory, N.C.
Rev. Curtis Johnson, pastor of Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church in Pelzer, said what his congregation was spearheading was hard, but overdue and attainable. "One goal is to bring different races and denominations together," he said. "We're living in a time when all walls are coming down. What we want to do is something that can exemplify that." |
Keith Bush of Spartanburg said his visit was unplanned. He was going to the Saturday market in downtown Greenville when he heard about the gospel outreach.
"I'm glad I came," he said. "I wanted to come downtown, not just to the market."
Asked what he enjoyed best, he said, "The fellowship and praising the Lord."
Minister Jo Anne Smith, an organizer, said she and Valley Brook have wanted to put on this project since 2002.
"This is the first GOspel OUTreach we have had," she said. "Our vision is to come together with other churches in unity."
About a half-dozen churches participated.
"We want a lot of diversity," she said. "We want to reach out to everyone — regardless of age and race."
Organizers said they were hoping to draw 1,200 to 2,000 people from a variety of faiths.
The group also was scouting to find homeless people like McCullough.
"If a person is hungry, we're going to minister that need first," Smith said.
Two representatives from New Horizon, a family health services agency, were on hand.
Cherette Shell said she and Milena Barrosso came to make people aware of her agency's services. They range from doctors and nurses to a walk-in service for same day illnesses to nutritionists to social workers.
"We were not only trying to get them information on spiritual help, but physical help, too," Shell said.
"When you look at the body of Christ, we're not where we're supposed to be," she said. "It's time we come together as one Christ. I don't know when Greenville has come together like this."
Organizers said they hope to make the outreach an annual one.
E. Richard Walton can be reached at 298-4317