Local Non-Profit Hosts Christmas Dinner for Needy Families

By Angelique T. Gayle

8th Annual Red Sunday celebration will take place on December 13, 2015 at Reflections Barbershop located at 150 Elder Street, Herndon. VA 20170 from 2:30 -5:00 PM.

When the word hunger is brought up in conversation Loudoun County is not an area that pops into anyone’s mind. With the grand homes, lavish cars and greenery, it does not seem to be a place where poverty could even survive. It seems to be a place of abundance, rather. However, according to the Census Bureau, the poverty rate in the county is 3.6 percent. And in 2011, it was reported that 92 percent of the elementary schools in the region served children who did not have a stable bed.

LifeJacket is the non-profit arm of The Temple of Healing Waters Church in Sterling, Va. It was created to directly combat the issue of hunger in the community. A vision of Pastor Chad Carlton, the mission of the organization is to eliminate hunger and homelessness in Loudoun County and its surrounding areas.

“It’s ironic that homelessness and hunger are our community’s ills because Loudoun County is the richest county in America. But if we do not take care of these social ills, then it will come back and affect the entire community,” said Carlton.

The non-profit has a series of initiatives in place to accomplish the mission, with Red Sunday being its most prominent, and the sole purpose of the event is to assist in abating hunger. Last year, with the support of thirty plus volunteers, Johnny Ray’s Restaurant and Mobile Hope, more than 350 people were provided a Christmas dinner. Along with being fed, families received grocery store gift cards, coats and health check ups, all at no cost.

“I’ve been a part of Red Sunday since its inception and I strongly believe that it’s a privilege to serve our community,” said Pastor Leslie Bishop-Joe. Bishop-Joe usually serves on the prayer stop during the event, taking time to pray for families after being served.

The holiday event began as a vision given to Pastor Chad Carlton to feed and bless the hungry the Sunday before Christmas and call it Red Sunday. The first few years the Church attempted to shop from a gift wish list provided from needy families. They then invited the families to the Church and distributed wish list gifts, a sit down hot breakfast and a holiday meal. The event evolved into feeding hot meals to the community and all those who came in need. From 2011 through 2014, Temple of Healing Waters partnered with area restaurants, together serving 300 - 350 hot meals to people and providing gift cards from local stores.

This year, attendees can expect more service during the 8th annual holiday event. INOVA Mobile Hope bus will be on site again providing toys, blankets, and other items to children and their families. Santa is also scheduled to arrive again to help spread lots of holiday cheer. The organization plans on feeding more than 400 people (from Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties) and have garnered the support of Wal-Mart in Sterling and Freddie Mac to help us accomplish these efforts. All are invited to receive food and gifts.

For additional information and/or to be a sponsor, contact our Communications Department at (703) 953-2817 or Gloria Yates at 703-625-0094.

About Temple of Healing Waters

Founded by Pastor Chad Carlton in Sterling, VA, The Temple of Healing Waters COGIC http://www.healingh20.org is an International Church committed to fostering the principles of Excellence, Empowerment, Restoration and Healing that provides a Biblical Basis for Personal Achievement naturally and spiritually.

Pastor Carlton’s ministry spans the globe, offering a renewed sense of hope to those who are lost and hurting. The prophetic ministry at The Temple of Healing Waters has been accompanied by signs, wonders and miracles being performed. Join them at their Sunday weekly worship services, beginning at 8:00 am & 10:00 am.