Special to The Post-Searchlight

The Laymen Brotherhood Second Chance Outreach Center, Inc., celebrated its fourth anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 18. There were several speakers who talked to an audience of approximately 150 people, which were mostly young people as well as some adults, which included pastors, ministers, and deacons.

The first speaker was Ms. L. (Tina) Freeman, the president of the Women of Excellence of the Georgia Missionary Baptist Convention, Inc. She addressed the crowd, including the young ladies, who were also in attendance, about Christian morals, self respect and education.

Deputy Charlie Emanuel Jr. of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, also a minister of the gospel, spoke to the audience about trusting in God, believing in yourself and setting a goal in life. He stressed to the young people the importance of making the right decisions, regardless of peer pressure. He said your choice would determine your future. He also explained to the group present the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor, along with the sentences that follow. He stated he remembered as he was growing up that he was making some wrong choices, but he soon realized that his parents did not raise him that way.

“It is not where you are from, but it is where you are going that counts,” he said.

Both speakers were followed by the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church Young Male Choir, led by Greg Jones, and the Sunbeam Choir, led by Cathy Anderson. Both choirs sang spiritual and inspirational songs to the audience.

Deputy Director/Ag Advisor James Crozier, a representative from U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.’s Office, was the final speaker. He addressed the audience about several issues concerning voting, their rights, and other congressional laws, rules and regulations. He informed the audience that Congressman Bishop’s office would help the citizens in any way they could. A question and answer period followed from the audience.

After the program was over, the people were fed and clothes were given out, along with shoes, Bibles, literature, and other donated items given by local churches, businesses, individuals and supporters.

The Laymen Outreach program continues to serve the youth of Decatur County and would like to thank all contributors who make it possible to help those in need.

A special thank you to Southwest Georgia Farm Credit for the donation of a van this year to help the ministry and all the support they have given. Also, a very special thank you to the former pastor, Dan Tomberlin, and to the present pastor, Pastor Rivera, and the Bainbridge Church of God congregation who helped fulfill this vision by granting the Laymen Outreach program a place to meet.

Laymen Outreach’s services are on call 24/7. They can be reached by calling (229) 465-3752 or (229) 416-0476. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible.