Andrews – The streets in town are hearing a message that the residents are loved.
Multiple churches, organizations and individuals are going door to door offering a free meal and an invitation to come out and hear a message of hope under the big tent.
“The mission of The Worship Tent – Mission of Hope is to reach those on the streets who are addicted and to help them get in to rehab, to bring them to Jesus Christ and to help them transition their lives so they can become healthy and be back in the community again as well as have family, life and Jesus Christ without the bondage of addiction,” said Rachelle Castellana, vice president of Micah Jacob International Inc.
She and her husband, Pastor Camillo, oversee The Worship Tent at 1 Wilson St. in Andrews. The big tent went up on July 15 and is planning to stay through Saturday.
Along with The Worship Tent – Mission of Hope is a baptismal for anyone who has started their new life in Jesus Christ. Castellana said people are coming, folks are praying and the Holy Spirit is moving.
“We came to listen to the message. It’s the greatest thing ever, nothing is higher than God. These people are here to serve, help and save souls,” she said.
Others agreed.
“We moved here, and I started building our shack. I’m on disability and I ran out of money, so we’ve been living on $2 a day until next week when I get my check. We saw the tent and free dinner, we came because we were hungry,” Bryan Frederick said. “I felt lost and terrible, and I was just overwhelmed. I got up, and as I was leaving someone asked where I was going. They just started talking to us.
“We got baptized, then we got married here under the tent. Our whole life was instantly much better. I don’t worry anymore, and we’re happy to be here. It’s amazing, and the people are great here.”
His new wife of just a couple of days, Elizabeth, nodded in agreement.
“We’re happy to be here,” she said. “Andrews is such a cute and pretty town.”
Mission of Hope is treating those needing a warm meal to dinner, which starts at 5:45 p.m. nightly, after which a message can be heard at 7 p.m.
AnneMarie Dragonette, one of the owners of Dragon Ass Smoked BBQ, has gone from two nights a week to five in order to further help feed anyone needing a meal.
“We want to help people a little less fortunate and down on their luck,” she said. “We want to help the community and do our part anytime we’re asked.”
The Worship Tent is not slowing down because the people organizing it believe they are on a mission from God. Details: facebook.com/groups/1223623514740612.