OTTUMWA —
The word’s out about First Pentecostal Assembly of God.
Not only does the congregation offer food and school supplies, they also give young students a backpack and an afternoon of free entertainment.
This is the second year for the church’s backpack giveaway, according to Lisa Mullikin. She’s a member of the congregation and serves as an evangelism coordinator.
Why did the church start the backpack event?
Mullikin said it’s part of the church’s outreach to the local community.
“There’s a physical need, so we help the kids with backpacks and school supplies,” she said. “Also, we share our gospel and tell them about how much God loves them.”
More than half of the church’s fellowship hall was filled with children and parents lined up to receive the backpacks.
Kinalynn Shem of Ottumwa is a fifth-grader at Agassiz Elementary School. She said she enjoyed receiving new stuff, especially the crayons.
“Purple is my favorite color,” she added.
The children also had a chance to hear a special presentation by the Firehouse Kidz, who also shared the gospel with those accepting backpacks. Other entertainment included train rides, inflatables, face painting, bean bag toss and Barnyard Billy.
With all the fun going on, what could stop the backpacking event and the rest of the outdoor entertainment the church arranged for kids and their families?
Rain. It’s been hard to get any rain in the Ottumwa area, but it showed up during the backpacking event.
Free supplies and rain brought smiles to many faces while other folks ran to their cars or to the fellowship hall.
Local News
Related Photos
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The line was long Saturday morning as people arrived at First Pentecostal Assembly of God in Ottumwa for the church’s free backpack and school supplies event. Tables inside the church were piled high with red, pink, blue and gray backpacks. After getting the backpack, the kids then started picking up school supplies. Cindy Toopes/The Courier
Afternoon of entertainment and school supplies brightens the day
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