From the moment that Community Day kicked-off on Jan. 19, throngs of people filled the parking lot outside Power of Love Ministries to receive free groceries, clothing, jobs information and health screenings.
The 24th annual gathering, hosted by Bishop Edward Turner and members of Power of Love, attracted thousands of residents from neighborhoods surrounding the church’s Manchester and Normandie location in South Los Angeles.
The activities included a gospel music stage featuring a range of talented performers along with several vendors such as the Watts Foundation, the Nation of Islam Sister Marketplace, Allmed Medical and Hope for Life, L.A. Department of Transportation and Los Angeles World Airports. Other highlights were a business expo, a prayer breakfast, a youth entrepreneur workshop as well as face painting and a block-long, multilevel slide for children.
Explaining why he organized Community Day, Turner said, “I think this event is necessary for our community’s viability. It’s important that we come together and support one another and find out how we can advance our community at levels that will strengthen our infrastructure and our communication with each other.”
Prior to holding daylong event, Turner launched the inaugural Doers Convention on Jan. 17-18 and Jan. 20, to uplift the spiritual health of the community. Pastor Theo Wilkins of Three Oaks Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Pastor Eric Jackson of Power of Love Ministries of Antelope Valley, Margaret Cherrington of Power of Love Ministries of Las Vegas and Apostle Michael Knowles of the Wrecking Crew Church of Los Angeles preached during the worship services. In addition, Jo Evelyn Parker and Pastor Calvin B. Rhone conducted a music symposium.
Pleased with the successful turnout, the bishop noted, “We plan all year and we did it with a zero budget. I think we had a few thousand over the course of the day, but it’s not the quantity, it’s the quality of the event.
He added, “If I can help one person, my living is not in vain. I have a heart for my people.”
