Instead of inviting visitors to the church for its annual Christmas program, New Temple Baptist Church, Dora, in Sulphur Springs Baptist Association decided to take its program to the community. On Dec. 17, the congregation converged on Mission of Hope in Dora to serve dinner and present its Christmas program to about 80 families who are recipients of the mission’s food services or had registered for the mission’s Christmas toy giveaway.
"We really have a passion to begin ministering by meeting needs," said Pastor Wayne Shelton. He explained that Alabama’s focus on Intentional Evangelism has shown the church that it needed to go outside its walls to reach the unchurched. "The large number of people who respond to Mission of Hope are unchurched," Shelton said. "What better place to take music and prepare it with the intention of sharing Jesus Christ?" Mission of Hope is a nonprofit organization that gives groceries to those in need in Walker and Jefferson counties. It also provides a hot meal for families on certain holidays. Churches from Dora, Adamsville and other nearby cities take part in collecting and donating goods for the ministry.
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