Spring for Haiti was a gift from the Lord to the inner city of Winston-Salem and for the earthquake stricken people of Haiti. On May 21, a gorgeous Spring Saturday, 8 Presbyterian churches worked together with some ecumenical and community partners to organize and present a festive afternoon of music, food, dancing, games, crafts, audio visuals and health care.Hosted by Lloyd Presbyterian Church, this outdoor street fair brought together the homeless and the home- owners to raise money and awareness for many who still live in tents on a Caribbean Island. More money is promised, but so far, 12,000 dollars has been raised. The money will be divided between Haiti Outreach minis- tries, supported by the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation, CODEP ( economic development) and The Children’s Nutrition program.
Margaret Johnson of TV station WXII was the mistress of ceremonies for musicians and speakers like Bryan McFarland, Gospel Praisers, Cindy Johnson, Sarah Chilton, Anila Moreau of Haitian ancestry, East Forsyth High Jazz band, RJR High Acapella singers, Authoring Action, Redemption Dancers, Elementary Arts School drummers, and the El Buen Pastor singing children.
Dan Wilkers and Parkway members made Haitian beans and rice and spicy “picklese”. El Buen Pastor chefs served tacos and the leaders of Lloyd’s Shelter for the Homeless cooked hotdogs, set up and cleaned up. Ten ounce water bottles were sold for drinks and recycled later.
Mark and Heather Johnson of First Presbyterian donated a quilt for raffle. The women of First Presbyterian donated toiletries to make 55 sanitation kits to send to Haiti. Winston Salem State University provided a mobile health care truck to give free medical care. Jon Watt of Highland Presbyterian Church led games for children, Sue Kent sold tickets and Randy Harris monitored the sound system. Men from Grace and Dellabrook Presbyterian churches helped with parking.
Twenty tables from First Pres supported all the vendors. There was homemade jewelry, books, Haitian art and Stewart Ellis sold some of his plants. Maggie Beamguard of Trinity Presbyterian helped sell Jane Suitt and Tom Spangler’s pottery. Rachel Jackson made a maypole for the children and other members of Lloyd PC sold veggies from their community garden, along with soccer balls that tell the story of Jesus’ salvation.
It was a beautiful 3 hour plus event to celebrate our calling to mission, evan- gelism, service, compassion, outreach and JOY!
Written by Rev. Laura Spangler, Lloyd Presbyterian Church
