Grand Opening of Mission Central
(April 28, 2019 – Harrisonburg District) The Grand Opening of Mission Central was a grand success. Several hundred people came to see the new building that headquarters “Mission Central.” Mrs. Artie Frederick welcomed everyone. Artie has been the driver and the hardest worker. Mrs. Delores Reid shared the purpose for the Center. Delores is in charge of the Medical Equipment, and she and Artie both have crews of people that work with them to make Mission Central operate. Rev. Bob Talbott was the Construction Supervisor and he and his crews worked in cold and hot weather to get the 4200 square foot building finished. Mr. Tom Sheets donated the hard wood flooring for the building and Stan Michael hooked up the bathroom and installed the washers and dryers. Mt. Pisgah UMC and Rev. John Crawford donated, not one washer and dryer set, but two sets so that clothes to be given away are always clean. Mr. Bill Neff donated $100,000 to the project and he attended the grand opening to see this project become a reality. After the ribbon cutting, everyone was invited in to see Mission Central, which looks like a Department Store with rows and rows of clothes, shelves filled with diapers and one whole section filled to over-flowing with medical supplies. On April 28, there was food everywhere to welcome all who came to see this new Harrisonburg District Mission Project.
Rev. Bob Talbott read the scripture – Matthew 25:31-40. Rev. Tommy Herndon preached from this text and reminded everyone that when we saw those who needed clothes or those who were sick and needed help – Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Rev. Victor Gomez led the singing and closed the service in prayer.
Mission Central was one of the recipients of the Virginia United Methodist Foundation Grants Program in 2018. The Foundation is excited to be able to help local churches and districts as they reach out the hand of “love” in the name of Jesus Christ.
