By: Candace Ford—
Muncie, IN—More than $30,000 was donated to support the Muncie Boys and Girls Club, Christian Ministries and the YWCA when two local churches came together for Easter services at Emens auditorium on Ball State University’s Campus. The event was a result of a meeting months prior between Pastor Gregg Parris of Union Chapel Ministries and Bishop Keith O’Neal of Destiny Christian Center.
“Easter at Emens was a great way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, engage in Christian unity and provide financial support to three great organizations making a difference in our community,” said Pastor Gregg Parris. More than 2,600 attendees filed into Emens Auditorium on the mild and sunny Easter morning. “We saw our churches and community blend together in a beautiful way through this service, which demonstrates the possibilities for a united broader society,” said Bishop Keith O’Neal.
“We are thrilled with the outpouring of prayer and financial support for our organization,” said Jason Newman CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie provides after school programing to keep children safe and off the streets, giving them opportunities that can change their lives. The cost to a family for one child to participate in a year’s worth of programming at the center is just $15, while the actual cost to the center is nearly $4,000. “The generosity of these churches is incredibly heartwarming, this donation alone will help to support one year of programming for two children and half of the cost for a third child to participate in our programming as well,” said Newman.
Christian Ministries of Delaware County serves the homeless and hungry and gives refuge to families in need of shelter and financial assistance. “We are an extremely small non-profit and at this point of the year donations tend to be low,” said Andrea Smith Executive Director of Christian Ministries, “I am taken back by the amount of this donation. This will allow us to give more to help to those in need this spring and summer in our community.”
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. “The YWCA Muncie staff strives to ensure that we have the means to meet the basic needs of every woman and child,” said WaTasha Barnes Griffin, CEO of YWCA, “Due in part to Destiny Christian Center International and Union Chapel Ministries, every day we can support these basic needs.”
