The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

MORE than 100 less fortunate and elderly people were fed yesterday thanks to Great Commission Ministries’ annual Thanksgiving luncheon.

Representatives from Teen Challenge Bahamas, Elijah House, Naomi Christie Home and a number of other non-governmental organisations assembled at the GCM building on Wulff Road to celebrate another year of community assistance.

Bishop Walter Hanchell, president of Great Commission Ministries, said it is an honour to give back to the community, particularly the poor and homeless. However, he admitted that a decline in donations compounded with an uptick in demand for assistance has placed a strain on the long-running programme.

“While the last five years have been quite challenging to us because of the poor state of our economy and the high level of joblessness and business closures, our doors remain open to extend a helping hand to needy families from throughout the Bahamas,” he said.

GCM has operated for nearly 28 years, headed by Mr Hanchell and his wife, Elder Minalee Hanchell. The duo has been a beacon of hope for many in the inner city who have fallen into misfortune.

However, Bishop Hanchell admitted it has been a struggle to keep some of the organisation’s programmes going in the current economy.

“A few months ago at one of our board meetings, we considered dropping some of our feeding programmes and some of our other services,” he said. “We decided to hold on expecting a financial breakthrough.

“We are convinced that the ministry and services of the GCM have impacted our community and have been a key factor in reducing poverty and crime.

“Everyday people line up for a hot meal, grocery packages or a warm bed. This is what we are called to do. This is what we enjoy doing.”

Bishop Hanchell added: “While we are grateful for the small annual grant we receive from the government of the Bahamas and the financial assistance we receive from the business community and our faithful donors, donations have dropped drastically; while at the same time, we have experienced a sharp increase in the number of clients coming to us for food and shelter.”

Caribbean Civil Group and CCC Traffic Signal sponsored this year’s luncheon, which was catered by Kenneth Rolle of Over The Hill Grill.

Ray Mckenzie, of Caribbean Civil Group, said it was an honour to work with GCM in assisting the less fortunate.

Mr Mckenzie stated: “We know it is tough to run a non-profit organisation, especially in these trying economic times. That is why we wanted to step in and assist Mr Hanchell to get this needed event together.”

“What he is doing for the people, for these communities is something great, it is special. We are proud, we feel deeply for what GCM does everyday. This is our way of helping their effort,” Mr Mckenzie said.