THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 11, 1996 TAG: 9610090177
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CAROLE O'KEEFFE, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 87 lines
Green Run Baptist Church doesn't wait around for those in need to come through its doors. Instead, it takes its ministry out into the community.
For some time members have been ministering in Twin Canal Village, a neighborhood of apartments near the intersection of Lynnhaven Parkway and South Independence Boulevard, where last Saturday was Twin Canal Village Carnival Day.
``We have a real conviction. We want to be making a difference,'' said the Rev. David E. Slayton. ``We want to be pro-active. We were tired of watching the news on drug situations and crime, and we wanted to get involved instead of just sitting back and wringing our hands.
``The Lord called our church to be involved not just as a place to go on Sunday, but to be involved. The most important work is not done on the property. It is done in the community.''
This particular neighborhood was targeted, Slayton said, because it is close to the church; about two blocks away.
``We identified the closest community to our church with real needs in areas of education, health and spirituality. There are lots of children, with a high percentage, as I understand it, from single-parent homes. It had a tough reputation,'' Slayton said.
On Oct.5, Green Run and several other area churches, medical personnel, college students, singers and musicians brought a practical ministry along with clowns, balloons, games and puppet shows to the apartments. Pony rides and a petting zoo were sponsored by Twin Canal Village complex owners.
The health department was giving free immunizations. Nurse Alisen Guyet said it didn't matter if kids had their shot records with them. ``It is better to repeat than to miss,'' she said.
Dr. Dan W. Crabtree was volunteering his time in the Mobile Medical Ministry run by the Norfolk Baptist Association. More than 70 doctors participate in the Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake. All medical and dental care was free to those who wanted it. When people required referrals, they were referred to doctors who participate in the program and offered reduced fee or free services.
``This is an opportunity to share Christ's love in a practical way,'' Crabtree said.
Dentist Jerry G. Caravas was on hand for check-ups.
Steven E. Kilcrease, 10, a fourth-grader at Pembroke Elementary, signed up for a dental check-up, but it wasn't as exciting for him as sitting in a firetruck for the first time, he said. Nearby Fire Company 18 had a crew and truck on hand. Steven knew about the carnival because his sister attends Green Run Baptist Church.
Master Police Officer, Kenneth T. Jackson, was on his regular beat at the Twin Canal Carnival Day. He polices the neighborhood on a daily basis.
``A day like this empowers the community,'' he said. ``It tells them where they can go for services.''
Sylvia W. Lamb is community services director at the apartments. She and the pastor of the church got together about three years ago, she recalled. ``He had a vision and a plan.''
This carnival has been the biggest event to date. ``For three years, I have been leaning and relying on Rev. Slayton,'' Lamb said.
Glenwood Baptist Church volunteers made balloon sculptures and painted faces. Laurie Bailey, the wife of the Rev. Tim Bailey, showed parishioners how to twist the balloons and paint faces for the past month or so in preparation for the carnival.
``We want to share our faith with these kids and the best solution is to be good neighbors,'' Tim Bailey said. ``Good values and good morals. If you change people's hearts, you change what they do.''
Calvary Baptist Church brought its puppet ministry. Muppet-type puppets captured the crowd's attention with such tunes as ``God's Not Dead, no no no no no no.'' Pam Roebuck, director of the Calvary Characters, encouraged the audience to try and count the nos. The characters visit malls, nursing homes, churches and other locations, performing Christian songs to all ages.
Other events, organizations and churches involved in the event were Liberty University from Lynchburg, Piney Grove Baptist Church, The Center for Social Change in Norfolk and gospel singers and speakers. ILLUSTRATION: Photos by Carole O'Keefe
Isaiah J. Griffin, 6, and his sister, Shawna Q. Griffin, 8, are
``examined'' by clown Rick Burleson at the Twin Canal Village
carnival on Oct. 5.
Pam Roebuck leads the crowd in a sing-along with The Calvary
Characters Singers during the carnival.
Michelle O'Neal leads a pony during a ride for Lareina Pinckney, 11
at the Twin Canal Village carnival. by CNB