What an amazing day! The main goal for this year’s turkey giveaway was to further connect with the Paradise community. Paradise is an underprivileged black neighborhood in Fort Mill, SC.

We blessed the beautiful people of the Paradise community with over 160 turkeys, 120 homemade cupcakes (courtesy of Barry Manilow’s family) and 320 slices of pizza. All supplies were depleted within the first hour of the event.

Hundreds of families from Paradise and F3 were in attendance. Our fellowship was incredible.  #HIMs of F3 were true gentlemen and carried turkeys for the women and the elderly of the neighborhood. They were flattered by the kindness of the men of F3 and our willingness to serve.

One reason why so many families from the neighborhood attended this event is because of F3’s  consistent presence in the community. Our weekly workouts called G-Fit (aka Get Fit) helped us build relationships with the local families. Being constantly present builds trust, removes social divisions and helps us to live out the “Golden Rule” of loving our neighbors.

A young man named Vincent who lives in Paradise attended the event. Vincent was born and raised in community. Earlier this year, he referred to F3 as “them” or “those guys.” He mentioned F3 in a respectful way but it was clear that the Pax was viewed as “outsiders” from the Paradise community. He took the initiative to help distribute flyers for the turkey giveaway. Vincent connected us with several influential leaders in the neighborhood. During the event, he carried turkeys to the cars of women and the elderly. Vincent helped to clean-up after the event. When we debriefed at the end of the event, Vincent stopped referring to F3 as “them” and referred to F3 as “us.” He said unabashedly that “I am in support for F3 because F3 is here for us.”

Vincent’s story highlights what it takes to make a positive impact in underprivileged neighborhoods. We must meet people where they are and then address their needs. At the event, several parents in the community asked if the men of F3 can mentor their children.

Mentoring in the Paradise community is now our top priority. We will be intentional about creating opportunities to mentor the children. As we mentor we will teach life skills. A turkey giveaway provides the people of Paradise with a meal for a couple of days. Mentoring and teaching children of poverty life skills will show them how to provide meals for themselves for life.

This year’s turkey giveaway deepened F3’s impact and relationship with the families in Paradise. Your support made this event possible. Thank you for supplying turkeys. We appreciate your prayers and contributions toward the event. Most of all, T-Claps for your servant leadership in our underprivileged communities.

See pictures from the turkey giveaway here: https://goo.gl/72uEcp

Peace,

Deacon