On Good Friday, the Miami Rescue Mission and Broward Outreach Centers served more than 2,500 Thanksgiving-style meals to South Floridians at their three campuses in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach.
Under the theme “Healing,” more than 400 volunteers served turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing and assorted pies.
“I woke up this morning with an empty stomach and now I am happy and full,” said Quincy. “Today is special because we are able to feel important again. This is really something to be thankful for.”
In addition meals, homeless and needy men, women and children had their feet washed and cared for by volunteer students from Barry University’s Podiatry program. Showers and haircuts were also provided.
The mission offered information about their rehabilitation programs that can lead people to renewal. “I came here thinking I would just be here to eat and sleep for a few nights, but they offered me so much more, said attendee and current resident Allan, about the Miami Rescue Mission and Broward Outreach Centers. “They offered me school, clothes, everything a person would need. If you listen to what the people here say, there is so much help that is offered. People will do something for you if you want to do something for yourself.”
Attendees enjoyed live music, Easter-themed plays enacted by residents of the Mission, a kid’s corner where children played on a moon bounce, ate cotton candy, played games and read books. At the Hollywood location, music was provided by Scott Evans Productions. More than 600 Easter baskets were given away. Each person attending also received purple bags with contained necessary hygiene items inside such as toothbrushes, soap, and clean socks and underwear. Several thousand items of clothing were handed out, and many attendees were able to have long-standing health concerns addressed by clinic staff.
Guest speakers delivered messages of hope and change on each campus. In Pompano, Pastor Anthony Yorke from Harvest Preparation Ministries addressed the crowd with an uplifting speech. Hollywood City Commissioner Richard Blattner spoke about the power of faith. In Miami, former Miami Dolphins player Jimmy Cefalo attended as the guest speaker.
“It’s never too late to change. I had a personal experience where my friend was going through a difficult time, and my friend had such enduring faith. I saw how having faith is so important. I have applied this principle of having faith to my own life, and I have seen how having faith creates unimaginable change,” said Blattner. Rev. Ronald Brummitt, president of the mission, said the purpose of the Good Friday outreach event was to demonstrate love and compassion for the homeless.
“Many people came together for our Good Friday Outreach. People were contributing financially, volunteering their time, holding drives for those in need, following the example Jesus set by washing the feet of his disciples before being betrayed and crucified. Volunteers washed and cared for the feet of the homeless and gave them hope that people care and want to help. Our supporters are so essential to our efforts to restore people’s spirits and help them to find a better path in life. We are so grateful to everyone who comes out to support our mission.”
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