Church supports two ministries with rummage sale
Published 9:04 am Thursday, May 12, 2016
- GOOD CAUSE: Associate pastor Ashton Thompson looks through donations for the charity rummage sale First Baptist Church is hosting from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. The church will take donations starting Thursday.
A local church is supporting two ministries through a weekend fundraiser.
First Baptist Church, 1607 Cherry St., is hosting a charity rummage sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the church’s south side parking lot.
Money raised from the sale will go to Live Oak— a church plant in New Orleans, and Renewal House— a men’s Christian sober living home in Vicksburg.
“We’re doing it to support that ministry,” associate pastor Ashton Thompson said.
This is not the first time the church has hosted a rummage sale fundraiser, and a couple of the church’s Sunday school classes decided it was time to coordinate this sale to support the two ministries in need.
“They are our young adult Sunday school classes that actually get together and get this all organized,” Thompson said.
Furniture, fishing poles, golf clubs, children’s toys, books, games, clothing, small appliances, household items and more will be available for purchase.
“Pretty much anything that will sell,” Thompson said.
Starting Thursday the church will accept donated items that are labeled with a whole dollar price. Donations can be dropped off at the church or pick up of large items can be coordinated through the Renewal House Facebook page or by calling the church at 601-636-2493.
Dr. Dan Edney, Sunday school teacher at First Baptist and one of the founders of Renewal House, said the center was started with Jim Carroll and Trey Smith to help men with addiction that are trying to stay sober.
“The Renewal House gives them a safe place to live where they are held accountable to stay clean and sober with a Christian environment and to help guide them with a good, Christian 12-step program,” Edney said.
Staying at the house gives the men a few months to get their finances in order and to get them employed.
The program costs $90 a week, which is far less than it costs to keep the home operating, Edney said. The money raised will help pay for the house, utilities, insurance and food.
“We’re just thankful the church is doing this to help support our ministry and help take care of our guys who are working hard to get their life back together,” Edney said.