There sure wasn’t a shortage of love, hugs, kindness and compassion, July 22th at Veteran’s Park in Colton. This Saturday the Park was filled with lots of people, many handing out bags, from groceries to hygiene kits, giving away clothing, employment resources, prayer and spiritual direction, and serving hot meals as people lined up to eat, there was even a mobile health clinic from Loma Linda University that pulled up onto the grass, doing checks and physicals as people came to take advantage of the free service. This is what’s called Community in Unity (C.I.U.).
The event which began at 10am, kicked off with a prayer, that had everyone holding hands in a circle that took up practically half the park, which was then followed by raffle tickets being given to individuals upon arriving, plus instructions of where they could find the resources they needed. About 20 minutes into the event, everyone was invited under the canopy to hear a short sermon by 6 year old Gabrielle Christine Simpkins about how God loves everyone and how He is just a prayer away. Robert Breunes of Fit Fearless Training did a fun exercise with the kids immediately after the sermon, that had them focused for the better part of the morning. The exercise program was followed by a raffle and prizes being given away, and a special award giveaway was presented to Alice Mary Sandoval of His Hidden Place a ministry that helps battered women, and for her contribution to C.I.U. Right after that ceremony came live music, games, more prizes, food, and finally a more personal and in depth message about faith, hope, love and Jesus. After the message, the crowd started to thin out and venders broke down canopies and tables and got ready to head home. Another successful event in the books for C.I.U that delighted the participants was achieved.
The Park has been home to C.I.U for the past year and a half, an event has been held every fourth Saturday of the month, and has gained much attention due to its success of bringing more people close to Christ. Founders and Organizers of the event, John and Kathy Braxton, associate Pastors at nearby Church of Fire in Christ in Grand Terrace, CA, are in their third year doing C.I.U. Its purpose, to give back to the community, bringing hope and help to the less fortunate, and to lift up the name of Christ Jesus. When we have a chance to speak with the visitors, and ask them about the event, they say, “Words cannot describe the feeling of seeing people getting blessed and leaving with something to take home that can help their families.
If you happened to miss out on the event this month, no problem! C.I.U. will be at the same place (Veterans Park in Colton), same time on August 26, along with all the businesses who help make it possible. A list of businesses in attendance are: Inland Empire Health Plan, Center for Employment Training, Loma Linda University, Church of Fire in Christ, Stars Behavioral Health Group, Farmers Insurance, Central City, San Bernardino County, Gospel Talent Search, Servants Heart, Ontario TAY, John 3:16, His Hidden Place, Bloomington Pentecostal, S.N.T. FFT, Unicare, Inland Family, Fit Fearless Training, and Dignity Memorial. Thank you for your future attendance in advance.