Church Leaders
Reverend Patrick Washington, of Brunna Valley Baptist Church in Lincoln,Ala. doesn’t like to let an opportunity for outreach pass by. About four months ago the church placed a Blessing Box in front as a way of showing the love of Christ to members of the community in need.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the church members didn’t stop giving, they made a bigger box. The box is filled with nonperishable food items and essentials such as deodorant, tissue, shampoo, and soap. Items are available free, and anonymously, to anyone in need.
The Blessing Box is available to anyone in the community 24-hours a day. People can take what they need and leave items for others as well. It works entirely on the honor system. “I feel like the church should be the light in the community, and people should be able to go to the church for help,” Washington said.
Washington, a graduate of Etowah High School, was ordained in 2006 and is the founder and CEO of a non-profit organization known as D.Y.N.A.M.I.C Outreach Ministries. D.Y.N.A.M.I.C, which stands for Discovering Your Net worth And Mission In Christ, impacts the community by hosting talent shows, feeding the hungry and outreach.
Washington accepted the pastor position at Brunna Valley in the summer of 2019. It was his first job as a church pastor. As an African American pastor with a 97% white congregation, it also presented him with an amazing opportunity for outreach.
Washington, who is also a Christian comedian, is media savvy. He hosts a podcast, does guest interviews on local tv and radio, and streams Sunday services online. Adding a blessing box was just another way of meeting needs in the community. Not only are people using the box, the church receives 100 to 150 donations for it every week.
“A lot of people don’t feel comfortable asking for food, deodorant or soap. Having that there 24 hours a day for them to get what they need is a blessing,” said Pastor Washington.
If you know of a Blessing Box in your community, let us know by emailing [email protected]. †
