Families ‘impacted’ at Impact Day

SILSBEE — The Abundant Life of Silsbee held its annual Impact Day event, July 25. The family centered event has been a tradition the church has held for the past four years, with over 300 backpacks being given away each year. Additionally, local vendors and business attended, providing attendees with free food and activities. “We want to make an impact by giving back,” Abundant Life Minister David Jennings said. But along with giving away backpacks to every child in need, they also ran giveaways through raffle tickets. Prizes included scooters, FIFA World Cup soccer balls, footballs, skateboards and free haircut vouchers. The idea for the Impact Day event came from Jennings’ travels he made with his wife over the years. Particularly, when he went to the city of Lumberton in North Carolina, he noticed one of their churches did something similar and aspired to bring it to Silsbee. “I wanted to help create that impact, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said. I love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, but also the parents. We believe that God can save every life, and some people have hard times and it can be hard to get stuff, so we love to help and provide for them.” The event also had a booth and time during the event for designated prayer, which Jennings noted has been received well by the public. “All the funds we raise go right back into the church,” Jennings shared. “We don’t get anything from this. If anything, we lose more every year, but it’s not about the money. It’s also a place for families to spend time together, as life gets busy.” The Abundant Life of Silsbee also recently purchased the Silsbee Community Center to expand on their current Christian Academy program they started a few years ago, and also collaborated with local organizations to provide for the community, holding multiple events each year that serve to give back. The church’s mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ, according to the organization’s website and prides itself on being a multi-ethnic group of people from all walks of life that have been transformed by the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. For more information, visit silsbee.org. For more on Impact Day, visit silsbee.org/impactday.