Winston County Men of Change and Leadership Prayer Ministry to Host Back-to-School Celebration July 26

Pictured from left to right: Mayor Will Hill, Dr. Joe Glass, Dagard Hughes, Dr. Anthony McIntosh, and Byron Foster Not pictured is Danny Jewell

Just a couple of years ago, a tragedy here in Louisville prompted many of the men in the community to come together and make a difference. Each Tuesday morning around 7:30, these men meet at locations across the county - typically at a school campus.

Pastors, city and county leaders, and just simply men in the community are a part of what has become known as the Winston County Men of Change and Leadership Prayer Ministry.

"This group is about making a difference," said Pastor Byron Foster.

This group not only prays for the youth of the county, but they also serve as mentors when needed - and, on July 26, the group is providing over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies at a Back-to-School Celebration to be held at the City of Louisville Parks and Rec Building on Ivy Avenue.

Families are encouraged to attend, bringing children and a lawn chair for the event. Speakers, music, and prayer are scheduled for the event. Dr. Joe Glass encouraged everyone to attend, telling the WLSM audience to "Come out and enjoy themselves!"

Reflecting over the growth of the Men of Leadership group, Danny Jewell, a retired pharmacist, noted a verse from 1st Thessalonians: "You receive not because you ask not." This is exactly what the group focused on when they began floating the idea of a celebration that gave back to the youth of the county. The men in the group began planning this back-to-school giveaway with the initial intentions of providing 100 filled backpacks. Further meetings would have members of the group suggesting increasing that goal to 200 backpacks. One member noted that "He (God) would provide," and the group prayed further for resources.

Now, a week or so before the event, the group is looking to give away 225 backpacks filled with school supplies.

The group noted various sponsors across the community who had cheerfully assisted in providing.

Tomorrow, this group will join WLSM on air for "What's Happening Wednesday." This program will air at 8:30 AM and again at 5:30 PM. The program will also be on www.therefugeonline.com/listen in case listeners miss a portion of the program.

If anyone needs information about this event and the backpack initiative, you may reach out to therefuge107@gmail.com or text 662-361-1071 and we will put you in contact with members of the ministry group.