By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
ALEXANDRIA – Armed with a bag of clothing in one hand and a cup of hot chocolate in another, Kelvin Reynolds mingled among other needy individuals on a chilly Thursday morning in downtown Alexandria.
With Christmas just days away, Reynolds, who is homeless, will be spending the holiday season on the streets or in a shelter.
Yet, despite his situation, Reynolds said he is thankful.
“God is still good,” Reynolds said. “Jesus is the reason for the season. I’m praying one day soon I will not be homeless. Please pray for me.”
One Thursday a month, Reynolds and 75 others can be found at the Emmanuel Baptist Church parking lot for a street outreach event called H20 – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness. Since August 2013, the Volunteers of America Homeless Outreach Program has hosted the event with help from area churches and non-profit organizations.
Those who attend the event receive hygiene items, clothing, shoes, haircuts, food and even a Bible. Most of all they receive the love of Jesus.
On this Thursday, Dec. 15, 10 organizations came to help out, including Alpine First Baptist Church, Pineville; Journey Church, Pineville; Family of Grace Church, Alexandria; Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria; Bob Baptist Church, Pollock; Philadelphia Baptist Church Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, and Emmanuel Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Ben Howard, a member of Bob Baptist Church, manned a table filled with clothing and snacks. He has been volunteering at H2O since July and said this event is a way to mirror Christ’s love for others.
“Jesus told us to do things like this,” Howard said. “We should be taking care of others in need. By meeting their physical needs we are then able to meet their spiritual needs as well.”
Meanwhile, Brandi Robertson handed out clothing with her daughter, Patience, at the Alpine Baptist Church table.
“It’s cold out here and if people don’t have enough clothing, they will have a hard time staying warm which is very important if we want to reach them for Christ,” Robertson said. “This is a great chance to share the Gospel. While this is my first time coming, I’ve seen what a blessing this is to those we are helping and I definitely will think about returning one day.”
William Butler came with his wife, Linda, as part of a team from Calvary Baptist, serving pizza and offering a space to pray. He said while those they serve receiving a blessing, they also receive a blessing in return.
“The Lord said to feed the needy and the homeless, the poor and the prisoners,” Butler said. “That’s what we need to do – care for those for whom Christ commanded.”
