37 And Jesus replied to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others]." Matthew 22: 37 – 39 AMP
The words “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” rings in the ears of and fills the heart of brother Ben Ogunjobi, Community Service and Prison Ministries Leader of the Pleasant Street SDA Church and his team of volunteers (Marlene Alvarez, Beverly Chambers, Philisia Clermeus, Milton Wright, and Karen Zeno). Through those ministries, he endeavors to lead the Pleasant Street SDA Church to make a difference in the community one prisoner and one child at a time.
The Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program brings children and their incarcerated mom or dad together at Christmas. The Pleasant Street SDA Church requested and received the names of 40 caregivers who needed a little hope during the holiday season. The church connected with the caregivers of those children to find out what gift each child wanted for Christmas. Members picked a child from the list and purchases the gift/gifts for the child. All children were served. On December 18, 2022, a party was organized, and the children and their caregivers were invited. At the party they played games, sang carols, and participated in activities. Each child received a Bible and gifts that were wrapped for each child. The smiles and excitement of the children and their caregivers was worth a thousand words. The Pleasant Street SDA Church through Angel Tree program brought smiles and warmed hearts during this holiday season.
This is the second year that the Pleasant Street has participated in this program. According to The Prison Fellowship the Pleasant Street is the only Church in the New England area that is participating in this program. Twenty-five families were served last year and sixty-nine 20 caregivers and 49 children) were served this year. It was a joy to see some caregivers from last year join the celebration for the event. Gifts are hand delivered by members of the team to families who were unable to attend the party. The great commission is to go in His name and share the good news of the gospel. Through this program and others initiated by the community service department, relationships are built and maintained.
The Pleasant Street Church SDA Church is connecting with the community and touching lives one person and one child at a time!