By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The second annual FREE back to school event for the community was held at Stanhope Elmore High School SEHS Tuesday. Goodship and Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Churches sponsored the entire event. Bookbags, school supplies, hot dogs, chips, and drinks were given out to all children and families. Coach Hunter Adams introduced some of the SEHS Varsity Football team members and the SEHS Basketball team at the event. Both churches made sure that the students were well equipped for the upcoming school year.
Dr. Derwin Perry is the Pastor for Goodship Missionary Baptist Church and is the SEHS Football Team Chaplain. Gary Jackson is the Pastor for Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Church. Members of their churches came to help volunteer their time at the event by passing out backpacks, supplies, and food to the community.
Minister Justen Brown, a youth Pastor for Lake Elam, was the guest speaker for the event.
Brown spoke about awareness to the youth. He spoke on three distinct types of awareness which include peripheral, self, and situational. He emphasized to the youth that they need to always be aware, be self aware, and be aware with the decisions you make. He also challenged the parents in attendance. They also need to be aware of what their children are going through.
Pastor Perry and Pastor Jackson then said a prayer for the school to all of the youth in attendance.
“They did an outstanding job tonight,” said SEHS Football Coach Hunter Adams. “They are always pouring into our kids on campus, always willing to step up when there is a need, and are a true blessing for Stanhope Elmore and the Millbrook community.”
“I want to thank God for allowing us to be able to bring about such a collaborative event that would bring hope to the youth, smiles to their faces, and assurance that someone else cares for them,” said Pastor Perry and Pastor Jackson in a statement.
They continued, “We want the students to know that we care about them. We would like to say thank you to our volunteers, the community and to the Millbrook Police Department.”
The two offered a special thanks to Coach Fuller and Coach Adams. “They opened their doors and allowed us to come share our perspective, our insight, and convictions of Christ.”
Goodship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 1554 AL-143 in Millbrook. Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Church is located at 4060 Gober Road in Millbrook.
