OCALA YOUTH CATCH THE VISION TO SERVE

by Herb Pritchard
Eager to serve the homeless and needy, Ocala Church youth sponsored Outreach Ocala on a Sunday in March at the Tuscawilla Park pavilion. This type of outreach was promoted by Generation of Youth for Christ (an Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries ministry) to encourage young people around the world to spread the love of Jesus in their communities.
Outreach Ocala began in the afternoon with the first 100 individuals receiving a care package including: socks, soap, granola bars, a blanket, and three GLOW tracts (Giving Light to Our World is a Pacific Union Conference Literature Ministries’ program). During the afternoon, 57 people received haircuts, 30 received massages, and nearly 100 enjoyed the meals provided.
“Thank you for what you have done for us here today,” said one homeless visitor. “It means the world to us. I know the Lord will bless all your efforts.” Testimonies like this made the efforts of organizer Gabriella Orta and her co-planner, Shadai Perez, worthwhile.
“…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” —Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)