The first Really Good Gospel Singing, hosted by the Clarke County Baptist Association, was held Nov. 7 at Archusa Water Park. The event raised $1,687 to help support local mission work. Organizers said they were pleased with how the day went and hope to make the singing an annual event.
The event brought together local churches and singers for a day of gospel music, fellowship and support for missions. The weather was beautiful, and the music was jamming.
“It was just a great day for us. The weather was great, all the churches that took part were great, and everybody looked like they were having a good time,” said Matthew Johnson, director of missions for the association.
Organizers estimated the event brought in about $1,300. All the money raised will go toward mission work through the Clarke County Baptist Association. The funds help people take part in mission trips and projects. These efforts include helping with Vacation Bible School and meeting needs at churches and other ministry locations.
“All of this money goes to do things like help with mission trips, Vacation Bible School and projects at churches,” Johnson said.
Although the crowd was small for the first event, organizers were happy with the turnout and hope to see more people next year.
“We certainly hope to have a bigger crowd next year,” Johnson said. “We want to keep featuring local talent and keep the event free for everyone.”
Plans are already underway to bring the Really Good Gospel Singing back. Organizers want to keep the event focused on local singers and church groups while making it bigger each year.
With the holidays coming up, the Clarke County Baptist Association is collecting new toys for families in need. The association helps provide Christmas gifts for local children each year.
Those who want to help can call the Baptist Center to find out what is needed. Johnson said the center can provide a list of children by age and gender to help donors choose appropriate gifts.
Johnson also encouraged people to make donations to the CAN Center, which helps provide food for local families. Money given to the center is used to buy food through the Mississippi Food Network, where food is sold at lower prices. This allows each donation to go further and helps provide more food to those in need.
For more information about holiday donations or ways to help local families, go by the Clarke County Baptist Center located at 100 N. Jackson Ave. in Quitman, or call 601-776-6748.
