CULLMAN, Ala. – On Saturday, Aug. 2, Commissioned for Christ held its first-ever Bibles & Backpacks event at the Cullman County Fairgrounds, with a mission to serve families in need — physically and spiritually — as they prepare for the school year. The outreach provided school-aged children and their families with free Bibles, backpacks, haircuts, hotdogs and drinks, along with a day of worship and prayer.
By day’s end, the success of the mission was on full display, with an estimated 200–300 individuals having been served through the generosity of the community, and nearly all supplies having been given out.
“I knew to expect big because God was in charge, but it completely surpassed any and all expectations,” said Jennifer Carpenter, organizer of the event. “It flowed so smoothly. We were so happy to bless others, but we were also blessed to just be a part of Kingdom work.”
When it came to what was available, everything at the event was donated, with nothing being purchased out-of-pocket and more than 75 volunteers, businesses, churches and ministries partnering to make Carpenter’s vision a reality. From food and drinks to school supplies and raffle prizes, every item was given freely by a community ready to serve.
“When I had this vision, I could feel God say, ‘Don’t put down a cent.’ I knew He said He would provide. So, I didn’t pay for anything,” Carpenter said. “What happened was people found out about this vision and were not only willing to help, but were eager to do so.”
For Carpenter, one of the most powerful moments of the day didn’t come from handing out school supplies, but from a handmade prayer board where families could write their prayer requests on sticky notes and place them on display.
“The children who wrote prayers were so precious,” she said. “They didn’t ask for prayers for themselves; they asked for prayers for their families and friends. They are so humble.”
But the spiritual impact didn’t stop at a prayer board. Often throughout the day, volunteers could be seen praying with parents and students alike, with laying of hands on those in need or lifting hands as a sign of praise to God.
“This was my favorite part. We had very young children telling us issues they had and wanted prayer and even gave their lives to God. We even had adults do the same,” she shared. “People are hungry for His Word and His touch. We must go out and share this with people. The harvest is ripe.”
When asked about what she hoped people would walk away with from the event, her answer was simple but profound. “Hope. I want them to walk away not just with supplies, but with hope that there is more for them,” she said. “I want them to not think of this as an event but an encounter.”
She also expressed interest in continuing the effort annually, while seeking guidance on what form that may take next.
“I had so many people asking me what was next. I will say that I was sad it was over because it was such a blessing to serve,” she stated. “I’d love to do this again and even other things as well. So, my job for now is to pray and ask Him to reveal what’s next. While there are people who need to be reached, there are also many people who are willing to do the reaching. We won’t stop until everyone has heard.”
Carpenter shared a special thanks to a long list of businesses, ministries and individuals, including hairstylists Jorryn and Leslie Keene, Keaton Photography, Warehouse Discount Grocery, S&S Foods, Jack’s, Pepsi, Chick-fil-A, Cullman Bowling Center, Cullman Lions Club and many more. First Priority-Cullman, Wellstone’s Heads Up Prevention, The Foundry and Cullman County EMA all provided informational tables on their services. Guest speakers including Lauren Parson James, Tim Sartin and Jenny Lee Dupre. Several local churches also provided volunteers and resources, including Faith Restoration Church, Victorious Faith Church and LifePointe Church. Revival Arrows Ministry in Double Springs also helped collect donations.
“I’d love to name everyone, but there are just too many. Every single person who volunteered or donated was helping to minister to all who attended. These are the people who make up ‘Commissioned for Christ,’” she added.
“As a last note, I want to emphasize the fact that this came together in less than one month. I knew the vision and instructions I was given, but I also had to be very careful to follow that and not my own desires,” she continued. “This has been bathed in prayer from the start. The only reason this worked like it did was because this was absolutely from God. I was just blessed to be the one to go out and organize this. So, I witnessed firsthand God’s favor and provision over this. There’s no way to witness what I did and not believe that this was one hundred percent from Him. I just can’t wait to see what He has for us next.”
For more information or to get involved in future outreach, visit the Commissioned for Christ – Cullman Facebook page or email commissionedforchristcullman@gmail.com.
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