A Kinston church — along with members of a missionary group — have been working on bringing something positive to the community, especially the children.
Increasing the Praise Ministries has teamed up with Shady Grove in Winston-Salem to work on the Increasing Ministries Outreach Center on E. King Street.
Volunteers have worked on painting the building’s exterior and interior, mowing the lawn, clearing debris and everything else needed to make the place operational for the people.
“We’re serving God with the work we’re doing in the community,” Shady Grove Pastor Leigh Bartoli said. “We want this to be a safe and productive place for young people to learn about God. This place will be a benefit for the youth, not a hindrance.”
Shady Grove has been working across the state, helping those who need assistance.
“My parents were former missionaries, who spent 20 years in Brazil,” Shady Grove volunteer Randy Brice said. “It’s a good feeling helping those who need it, and I do it for that reason alone. I enjoy helping people and my father instilled that in me at a young age.”
Increasing the Praise Ministries Pastor John Marks bought the property Increasing Miracles Outreach Center resides on in June. Growing up in the Lincoln City neighborhood, Marks had seen the positives of the old Lovell Hines Park and wanted to bring them back for the community.
“I’ve lived in this area most of my life, and the park had a lot of needs to me,” Marks said. “I’m a visionary and I wanted to give back to the community. I felt inclined to revamp and revitalize the area and give children the opportunity to not only enjoy themselves in a safe environment, but also celebrate Jesus Christ. This used to be a place where the youth could do that.”
Marks — who is one of three candidates for Kinston mayor along with incumbent B.J. Murphy and Ralph Clark — is also trying to have the existing pool and basketball courts restored, as well as bringing in a baseball and softball field.
“This is a miracle park,” Marks said. “The resources have started to come about in the community and this dream is already being materialized.”
Several children from Shady Grove came out on Tuesday to provide their volunteer services as well.
“I went on a mission trip last year in Charlotte,” Riley Brice, 11, said. “Seeing the look on everyone’s faces left us knowing we did a good job. Even though it’s a lot of hard work, it will all be worth is here.”
Abby Kennedy, 10, is on her first mission trip, and has been enthusiastic about helping out.
“When we’re all done, the kids will be able to come out and have a great time,” Kennedy said.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.
Your help is needed
Want to help out with the Increasing Miracles Outreach Center? Volunteers are needed at 1100 E. King Street, starting today at 9:30 a.m. Call John Marks at 252-525-0657 or the center at 252-686-0910 for additional information. Donations can also be sent to P.O. Box 713, Kinston, NC 28501