Did You Know?

Genesis Covenant Church rejoices in the fact that it can be of service, and help to those who are in need. With inflation, high food prices, high gas prices, rising interest rates, unpredictable stock markets, etc., we regularly witness the dire needs of persons in our communities on a regular basis. With that being said, our focus and emphasis since the inception of Genesis Covenant Church has been on missions and outreach ministry. The pandemic has placed even greater strains on many families. With your help, we have been able to successfully contribute in a variety of ways to the community. We are grateful to the Prince George’s County Office of the Sherriff, JJS Missions, Prince George’s County Social Services, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Life Springs Eldercare, Passport BMW, Huntcrest Condominium Associates, and advocates for the homeless for keeping us abreast of the primary needs in our neighborhoods and schools.

We give a special thanks to Passport BMW for supporting Genesis Covenant Church in remarkable ways.   

 Of course, our primary focus at Genesis Covenant Church is saving souls and transforming lives. Still, we must be realistic about those who lack resources.     

 Please see a brief summary below:

1. It is now winter, and we know there is a need for the change of attire due to the change in temperature. Just imagine how uncomfortable it must be for those who live on the streets, in homeless shelters, in encampments, etc. Keeping warm is key to our survival during harsh cold weather. We simply say thank you for being a part of a long john endeavor. Approximately 175 pairs of long johns have been donated to the homeless population. Just in case you do not know what long johns are, they are undergarments that men and women wear to cover at least the portion of the body that we cover with clothing. These garments have been a God-sent for many generations. Personally, they are worth their weight in gold.
2. A sock and toilet tissue drive provided additional comfort to the homeless population. Who would have thought there were needs in this particular area? We are grateful that you contributed an abundance of socks and toilet tissue to this worthwhile cause. There were persons out of state who saw it fit to mail socks to us for this worthwhile cause. Please know that these items have been issued to the proper persons and places. Your contributions were beyond our expectations.
3. The Haiti clothing drive was also held so that items might be shipped to Haiti. Again, there was an abundance of nice clean clothing and items provided for the cause. We are grateful to Brother Vernon Hammett and JJS Missions for their continued support to the people of Haiti. Just in case you are not aware, the people of Haiti are constantly attempting to rebuild after so many catastrophes, but as soon as they are in the rebound phase another devastation causes a setback. Your donations were appreciated, but the real work began when the items had to be packed into barrels for shipping to Haiti. All of the items you contributed were sorted and packed at Maple Springs Baptist Church with oversight from JJS Missions. Trust me, some of the people of Haiti are rejoicing because you have met their many needs.
4. Earlier this year, a clothing drive was held for persons impacted by domestic violence. We have collaborated with the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office in meeting some of these person’s needs. This agency is committed to doing all in its power to reduce domestic violence in Prince George’s County. Your support has helped some who are in recovery to get back to a life of normalcy. The Sheriff’s Office is not only providing resources, but they are also building relationships with the victims of domestic violence.
5. J. Frank Dent Elementary School is one of the schools Genesis Covenant Church has adopted. We were recently informed by the school’s community coordinator that there was a need for 16 winter coats for students. These students were coming to school daily, lacking appropriate clothing for the winter months. These students are rejoicing because they are now staying warm, but they are also able to now fit in with the other students. If you are aware of any child in need of a coat for this winter, please let us know. We are grateful that we have been able to form a partnership with Macy’s and Prince George’s County Public Schools in purchasing coats at a discounted price.
6. Billie’s Kitchen continues to feed at least 50 homeless persons every two weeks. We give thanks to those persons who have volunteered their time and energy in preparing bag lunches for this group. Many of you remember Billie Brown, who was so committed to feeding the homeless. We continue this ministry by honoring her passion for those who benefited from her support. These homeless persons are grateful for whatever they receive, but every now and then we were able to furnish more than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
7. Diapers and other infant needs were provided for victims of domestic violence. Many of the abused men and women were in desperate need of items that would benefit their children as well as themselves. The hardship weighs heavy on the mother, but it becomes a greater burden when children are involved.
8. There are many at-risk children in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Some of these students could not afford to purchase needed school supplies at the opening of school. School supplies were purchased and given to the proper agencies for distribution. Just imagine having to go to school without the proper tools.
9. We all know that our teachers are underpaid and underappreciated. Genesis Covenant Church provided a luncheon for J. Frank Dent Elementary School, Avalon Elementary School and Gwynn Park Middle School during Teacher Appreciation Month. All three schools have expressed sincere appreciation for the love and support received from Genesis Covenant Church. It is our vision to do more for these three schools in the future.
10. Huntcrest Condominium Association recently provided funds for women’s socks, undergarments and baby formula for victims of domestic violence and homelessness. The association used Genesis Covenant Church as their conduit for ensuring that their mission was accomplished.
11. Thanksgiving gift cards will be available to families who we know are in need of food for the holidays. We know that this is probably trivial, but it will make some family happy for the memorable holiday. The gift cards will permit persons to purchase what they consider to be essential in meeting their personal needs. Too often, we assume everybody has a place to cook or knows how to cook, but that is not always the case. The gift card may alleviate some of the challenges recipients may have had in the past.
12. District 7 police department and Keytokarma hosted a “Trunk or Treat” on October 30, 2022. The purpose behind the trunk or treat is to allow children to come together collectively for the purpose of receiving candies and goodies. The intent is to get children off the streets into a safe space for the occasion. Keytokarma and Genesis Covenant Church donated an abundance of candy for the event. Trunks were raised on the parking lot of the district 7 police station for the children to receive their goods. Over 300 children were served by those who had goodies in their trunks.
13. Care bags consisting of masks, sanitizer, snacks, toothpaste and toothbrush kits, wipes, tissues, deodorant and sanitary pads have been put together for the purpose of distributing them when we see the need on the street for the homeless. There are persons who have befriended some of the encampments and leisurely ride through those areas distributing the bags.

God calls all of us to see and serve the “least of these” because it demonstrates how much we love Him. Matthew 25: 40 says, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers. The king will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”