Gallons on God
Published 10:13 pm Monday, August 17, 2020
- • Antraivious Beal shows his want to help his community by volunteering at the Gallons on God gas giveaway by The Mount at Wawa on Godwin.
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The pouring rain did not stop The Mount Suffolk from hosting a gas giveaway at three locations to help those in need.
Gallons on God was an outreach event held at 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Sunoco on Godwin Boulevard on Aug. 15. Volunteers wore masks, gloves and rain ponchos to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines and attempt to stay dry.
“We held this event last year at just the 7-Eleven, and it was very effective,” said Minister Lee Kinchen. “The idea for this started when our pastor was driving down this road and saw three people pushing their cars because they were out of gas.”
To the first 40 cars in line, the church paid for $20 worth of gas. While in line, drivers received a ticket that was good for a free meal. These meals were provided by the Bojangles located next to Wawa and the Wendy’s located next to 7-Eleven. An extra 30 tickets were given for meals even to those who were too late for free gas.
“People are having a hard time getting help during COVID,” said Kinchen. “People are getting laid off and having a hard time getting unemployment. We want to be here to encourage the community and show them that God is here and serve them.”
Along with the tickets, drivers in line also received a goody bag containing a prayer, encouraging word, anointing oil and communion. Children in the car received backpacks.
“We are just out here to let people know about our church and what we believe in,” said Cathy Callahan, a volunteer who gave out backpacks to the children. “We want to show that our church and our God are givers. We’re about helping the community, loving the community and spreading the Word.”
As other volunteers operated the gas pumps, they took the opportunity to talk to the drivers and minister to them. They prayed with them and invited them to visit their church.
“I am just trying to be a helping hand in the community,” said Antraivious Beal, who was at one of the pumps. “I want to better my bond with God and try to be a better person while helping others.”
