SEAGOVILLE—For a second consecutive year, members of Texas Baptist Men’s Military Fellowship donated time to melt butter, roast turkeys and serve a Christmas dinner to soldiers and their families.
The Homeless Veterans Services of Dallas at the Veterans Resource Center in Dallas sponsored the event for members of the U.S. Army 341st Multifunctional Medical Battalion in Seagoville.
The Christmas meal marks a special time in the year—not only for the soldiers and families served, but also for the volunteers who serve them, said George Felkner, vice president of the TBM Military Fellowship. After all, it’s what jumpstarted the ministry that had been dormant several years, he noted.
“A year ago a group said that they would provide the food for (this event) and backed out at the last minute, and we were called in,” Felkner said. “So, we feel like we diverted a disaster for them.”
The TBM Military Fellowship will go wherever and whenever called upon to serve those who have sacrificed so much for citizens’ freedom, Felkner added.
“We have our crew from several different churches and the North Texas area,” he said. “And most of the (volunteers) are veterans.”
Unique way to share Christ
Hazel Garrett, a volunteer from Mimosa Lane Baptist Church in Mesquite, noted the ministry provides a unique way for TBM to share Christ with those being served.
“That’s what it’s all about—seeing people come to know Christ,” she said.
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Garrett has volunteered with TBM about 10 years.
“I love doing it because I love serving people,” she added.
TBM involvement in ministry to the military has garnered attention—and appreciation, said Lt. Col. Ann Hall, commander of the 341st Battalion. Last year, TBM provided a meal at a pivotal time for the soldiers, right before they were deployed.
“They (TBM) took care of those soldiers—fed them, gave them a good meal and gave them time and fellowship with their families before they went off to war—so we really appreciate the support of the Texas Baptist Men,” she said.
Appreciate their sacrifice
Volunteers, likewise, appreciate the sacrifice made by military personnel and their families.
“I love to see them be served, because they serve us to keep us safe,” Garrett said. “So, it’s just a great thing we’re doing today, just giving back.”
The TBM volunteers served 245 soldiers and family members at the Christmas event.
Earlier, at a family day for the U.S. Army’s 94th Combat Support Hospital Bravo Company, 16 members of the TBM Military Fellowship prepared hamburgers and hot dogs for about 400 people.
Volunteer Robert Womack of Mimosa Lane Baptist in Mesquite said they put in the hours so the soldiers—as well as veterans—would know they are not forgotten.
“We try to help them any way we can. That’s what we do,” Womack said.
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