Genesis Covenant Church celebrated its ‘Family and Friends Day’ on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at the RR & BBB Farm. Our worship service started at 10:00 a.m., followed by a day of fun, feasting, and fellowship. The sermon preached by Pastor Daryl Riddick, “It’s a Family Affair,” resonated in our hearts and minds as we were reminded of the importance of family and friends. God truly blessed us with a beautiful day, for the weather was perfect, and the message of hope was relevant and cherished.
We are grateful for family, friends, and associates who traveled from near and far to spend the day with us. It was an opportunity during the pandemic to spend time in the open air enjoying each other’s company and conversation in person on such a special day. Seeing people, we had not seen in person for almost two years was good.
The day attracted all age groups who became fascinated and engaged in some activity during their stay. Adults and children found delight in the moon bounce. Some adults and children could ride horses for the first time. One of the members, an amputee, had always dreamed of riding a horse. Her dream became a reality on this day. The hayrides down to the Patuxent River were enjoyed by all who participated. Some picked up the basketball, dribbled, and shot leisurely. Very few gave attention to the available cornhole game. Bingo was on the agenda, but the conversation and fellowship became so rewarding and rich that bingo was deferred. Other games were open to all as well. The children seemed to delight in just running around and enjoying each other’s company.
Also, with the abundance of delicious food, by some of the most incredible cooks in Maryland, the fish, hotdogs, and hamburgers were perfectly cooked and served by our hospitality team. The sides complimented the meal; they consisted of baked beans, pasta salad, potato salad, garden salad, and much more; second servings were available.
Everyone was invited to bring toilet tissue and socks to the farm, and the items were delivered to the homeless. Prince George’s County Social Services and advocates for the homeless brought to our attention that both items were in dire need by the homeless. The toilet tissue and socks were picked up from the farm two days later and delivered to some of the encampments and homeless shelters in Prince George’s County, Charles County, and Washington, D.C. Amazingly, Genesis Covenant Church and its family and friends provided an abundance of toilet tissue and socks. It was unbelievable! Please know that you have provided so that others might remain warm and clean during the winter months.
It was indeed a day of many blessings. Everyone was also invited to bring items that might be of value to the people of Haiti. As most of us know, the people of Haiti have had difficulty rebounding from recent and past catastrophes. We were delighted to provide needed items once again to JJS Missions that would be placed in barrels and shipped to Haiti. Those items included clothing, shoes, personal care items, feminine hygiene products, baby and infant items, OTC meds, and other requested products. All things were delivered to Maple Springs Baptist Church on Friday, October 21, 2022, where the work of separating and packing took place. It was indeed a team effort. We were pleased to have Brother Vernon Hammett and Sister Anita Banks, representing JJS Missions Haiti join us for Family and Friends Day.
We were graced with the presence of Lt. Col. John Carr, newly elected Prince George’s County Sheriff, Captain Shawn Richards, and Derrick Martin from the Prince George’s County Sheriff Department. Genesis Covenant Church has partnered with the Sheriff’s Department in addressing Domestic Violence.
Minister Steen, homeless advocate (Billie’s Kitchen), and Wendell Williams, Social Services Prince George’s County, were also present.
We hope all who joined us were blessed and highly favored by the Lord. We look forward to ‘Family and Friends Day’ in 2023.
Hopefully, the pictures will provide a more visual view of the day.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
