One of the Clarkston area’s newest churches is hosting a summer festival fundraiser, for children in the Phillipines.
Harvestland Ministries’ event, From Dumps to Diplomas 2008, is set for 2-6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9, at the church, 5848 Clintonville Road. It will include live music, pig roast, face painting, volleyball, cake walk, silent auction, and motorcycle ride, said Pastor Bill Barrett.
“This will be a fun filled day for the whole family,” Barrett said.
All proceeds will benefit Payatas Children’s Ministry, serving children living in a shanty town outside Manila.
‘They’re the poorest people in Asia,? said Barrett. ‘The only way for children to escape is through education.?
The ministry provides food, clothing, medicine, and preschool education, said Barrett, who served on a mission trip there in 1991.
‘Without preschool, they can’t go to public school,? said Dr. Leigh Elceser, church member who is helping to organize the event.
‘One boy won a national science award and earned a scholarship to become a doctor,? Barrett said.
The motorcycle ride is organized by Kingdom Riders, a ministry of the church.
‘This is one of our first main events,” said organizer Matt Howe. “It’s a great charity event. It’s the purpose behind the fun. A good reason to come out that day.?
“The ultimate goal of the fundraiser is to raise money for Pajatas,? she said. ‘It’s also our coming-out party, to increase our presence in the community, and find out how we can meet the needs of people here.?
‘This is a good opportunity to invite local bikers and friends to the new church, and ride together,” Howe said. ‘We hope to draw local motorcyclists for a short ride through the Clarkston area and support the fundraiser.?
The 120-member ministry moved to Independence Township in January, after 57 years in Pontiac.
‘We wanted to expand,? Barrett said. ‘We’re excited to be here.?
Their search for a new location took about two years, he said.
‘First we tried looking in a 4-mile circle, then eight miles,? he said. ‘Property is hard to find. We have quite a few members in Clarkston, so that became our focus. We’re all glad this happened. I love the community already. We’ve made lots of friends.?
‘It’s almost like a rebirth,” Elceser said. “There’s new excitement. The church established long-time ministries in Pontiac. When we moved, we had to reevaluate where we wanted to go as servants to the community.?
‘We’ve received a warm welcome in Clarkston,? Barrett said. ‘I feel this is where we belong. It feels like home.”
The church offers ministries for children through seniors, and hosts meetings and activities for local community and business organizations.
For more information, call 248-391-2063 or check welcome2harvestland.com.