A Season of Giving and Encouragement Christmas with the Brothers Forgiven Ministry

A Season of Giving and Encouragement

Christmas with the Brothers Forgiven Ministry

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

Every year millions of people fill stores throughout the world in search of gifts and souvenirs to presents to loved ones in exchange for the holidays. Where we find ourselves tethered to a sofa listening to relatives pass stories of their childhood, others may not be so fortunate as to have the same Christmas celebration available to them. Presents typically found wrapped and awaiting under the tree adorned in lights, tensile, and decorations, may not exist for someone else and their family. While Christmas is rapidly approaching with it comes the presence of charity and contribution. Sidewalks of shopping centers, department stores, and plazas begin filling with charity contributors everywhere as we dash to make things happen for as many people as possible with what little time that may be available to us. As bells are rung, signs are adorned, and booth tables set up for the season, a good thing to remember is that a little may go a long way if we work together.

            Christmas this year will be made something special and unforgettable for around 84 children who have been selected to participate in the Brothers Forgiven Annual Christmas Party. Children chosen for the event have been invited to attend a service with their families at the Charles Russell Elementary School of Ashland, Kentucky. Coming from identifiable backgrounds of those who may need a helping hand in celebrating this year, the families are invited to the event where they will be fed well prepared dinners, presented 10 gifts each for the children, and ministered with Brothers Forgiven. The ministry provided is geared towards teaching the “Real meaning of Christmas” (TT) to the families as they focus on faith, family commitment, and service to others as well as self-care and responsibility. In accompaniment to the event there will be Santa Claus who will be close by to answer any questions children and families may have as to his presence through the holiday. The event was held on December 14^th and marks the 11^thannual Christmas party held by the ministry.

            Coming from several different backgrounds, the Brothers Forgiven Ministry is made up of a team of kindhearted bikers who have taken to the streets to unite families and community for the holidays. Donations have been earned with several hours of dedication as members brave the elements of autumn and winter to draw attention to those in need during this time of the year. Shoppers entering the stores may pass by the booths, tables, and bell ringers never asking who they are, where they come from, or what mission may be in affiliation with their presence. This year a great majority of the proceeds secured by the Ashland Brothers Forgiven Ministry were from the booths located in front of Rural King of Boyd County, Kentucky. Booths provided by the charitable group have been set up year-round to prepare for this year’s Christmas celebrations allowing ample time to prepare and serve the community. Through “prayer, love of Christ, sharing, and sacrifice we can better serve our brothers and sisters this holiday season,” shared Danny Henry, one of the group’s members.