Harvestland Ministries hosts its second-annual Dumps to Diplomas fundraiser, 12-6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1.
Weather is expected to be better than last year’s wind and rain, but they have plenty of indoor activities this year just in case.
‘It’s a great cause,? said Pastor Pete Freeman, who joined the church at 5848 Clintonville Road this past April. ‘Last year was a good success. Many new things are planned this year.?
Activities include live music featuring the worship band Emerge of Petersburg, Mich., pig roast, cake walk, baked goods, motorcycle ride, silent auction, professional face painter, archery lessons, demonstration by Independence Township firefighters, 14 vendors inside the church, and dunk tank.
‘I’m already signed up for that,? Freeman said.
Last year’s fundraiser raised more than $8,000 total for Payatas Children’s Ministry, serving children living in a garbage-dump shanty town outside Manila in the Philippines.
‘That’s a huge amount considering size of the congregation,? said Angela Howe, community outreach chair. ‘It’s astounding to see the poverty there ? seeing children living in the dump changes you.?
The Payatas ministry, founded about 20 years ago by Marivic Goloy, provides children with preschool, without which they can’t enter the public school system, Howe said.
‘Preschool isn’t publicly funded ? that’s why this is so important,? said Dr. Leigh Elceser, event organizer. ‘We just sent tuition for five students. Three students graduated from college, one earned a national math and science award ? it’s a beautiful thing. It’s working.?
‘As people in the community understands what she does, they become more supportive,? Howe said. ‘It brings unity to our church, working on a good cause like that.?
Freeman’s father, Dr. John Freeman, was pastor of Harvestland Ministries 18 years ago, so taking over the congregation is a homecoming for him.
‘Back to my roots,? Pastor Freeman said.
He served as a youth minister for the past 13 years in Pittsburgh, Pa. He graduated from Oakland Christian High School in 1991.
‘He’s doing quite well,? Howe said. ‘We have lot of new growth and new things going on. I think it’s great.?
Church ministries also focus on the Clarkston community, Freeman said.
‘There are tough times,? he said. ‘Anything we can do to be of service to Clarkston, that’s what we do.?
Harvestland’s Vacation Bible School, Crocodile Dock, is set for Aug. 10-14.
For more information on the fundraiser, check www.welcome2harvestland.com.