And the women didn't just walk in pick out some toys and go their merry way. Before a single gift was given there was prayer, ministry through
song and finally a message regarding the greatest love.On hand for this event was Pastor Michael Davis, who opened the program with prayer. Next were beautiful renditions of classic Christian Christmas songs performed by Ms. Shalonda Moore (granddaughter of the famous singer Dave Prater) and the Gailor Boys, a trio of young brothers age 14-18.
It was evident that every song perfor
med touched the soul in such a way that at times our founder and CEO Dr. Janice Pettigrew admitted she was nearly overwhelmed with emotions. The sincerity of the performers carried throughout the church as was evident on the faces of those in attendence. It was unmistakeable the glimmer of hope seen on their faces. This confirmed to all program participants that the decision to do more than just hand out a few toys was definitely the right thing to do.It was important to encourage and inspire, and so it was that Dr. Pettigrew talked about the greatest love and implored the parents to think beyond the material and to focus on giving to their children that which can't be taken away. Love.....love like the kind God and His Son has for all of us. Dr. Pettigrew encouraged all to lead by example in showing that same kind of love to their children, family, friends and
especially to those many may call an enemy. After all this is what Jesus taught us. Following Dr. Pettigrew's message the Gailor Boys closed out with another song. Then it was on to pairing each parent with a volunteer to assist in picking out a toy for each child.A footnote to the day’s activities: There was a young lady that couldn't find her way to
the church and when she finally did we of course were gone. She was so distraught but here's the thing, Dr. Pettigrew’s son, Dion and daughter-n-law Ebani went out and bought toys for this young lady's four children. They were delivered to her on that Monday. Said Dr. Pettigrew, “Yes, I'm a proud parent, it let me know that there were lessons taught and learned that are being passed on. I am so grateful that in the midst of buying for their 10 they were willing to add 4 more. No they're not rich by any means! He's a truck driver and she's a stay at home mom although she helps me with Fresh Start for Women whenever I need her.”It's examples of selflessness exhibited by the Lamberts, Mr. & Mrs. Charles T. Allen, Ms. Charlette Clark, Mr. Scott Woods and family, Mrs. Grace Wood, Mr. Mark Robinson & family, Ms. Tammy Powell, Ms. Erica, MD & E Corporation and LH Nortey Non Profit Services just to name a few helped to bring this event to reality. Fresh Start for Women couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out the 2008 year.
