Purpose of God Annex programs continue to thrive
Published 2:02 pm Wednesday, August 16, 2023
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
(Clark Curtis/For WDN)
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By Clark Curtis, For the Washington Daily News
For over 23 years the Purpose of God Annex Ministries, founded by Bishop Samuel Jones, Jr. and his wife Mother Regina Jones, has been helping disadvantaged or at-risk adults, youth, and their families of all colors, through its many programs. They serve those in Washington as well as 10 other communities in the surrounding area, including Greenville, Winterville, Grimesland, and Rocky Mount. Three years ago, due to COVID, Bishop Jones created two new services, The Purpose of God Share Shop and The Purpose of God Miracle Meals. “I asked the Lord back during COVID and the recession, “why can’t some things be free,” said Jones. “I had no idea within eight months all of this would come into existence. Between the two we now serve over 2,500 people per month.”
The Share Shop, located at 642 River Road, provides free furniture, clothing, appliances, childrens’ toys and clothing, and other “wot nots.” “The name Share Shop speaks to exactly what we do here,” said Jones. “We share with the community and the community shares with us items that they may no longer need. It is a win, win for everyone.” Jones added that the building is currently up for sale as they have outgrown its capacity because of the need and they are looking for a larger space.
“For me, it has been a blessing for household goods and furniture that I don’t have,” said Chocowinity resident Verna Davis. “This is all so wonderful! I can pick up things I need, items for others that have no means of getting here, and the opportunity to donate things I no longer need or use.”
Miracles Meals, located at 712 River Road, provides free food such as loaves of bread, produce, canned goods, snacks, cakes, drinks, and meat. It also provides sanitation products for men, women, and children. “We always like to point out that we are not a food bank,” said Jones. “Think of it more like a convenience store. Folks come in and get a basket along with a couple of plastic and paper bags and then walk around doing their shopping. Once the word got out about what we were doing, the food donations started coming in from local philanthropists.”
Jones added this is also an opportunity to take some pressure off those with fixed incomes, as it gives them an opportunity to save some money and pay their bills. “It means a lot to me as I am on a fixed income and not working,” said Queen Windley. “It is very important to me and others that don’t have that much income to buy food. And on days that I may not be in need of anything, I will pick some items up for friends or others that I may not even know. It has been a blessing for me and others. Bishop Jones and Mother Jones are wonderful people, and real jewels to the community”
For Jones, he said none of this would be possible without those who work for the ministry and the countless volunteers. He said they put in over 50 hours, six days per week. On the days the facilities are not open they are out picking up furniture and food. “This has all been astounding, and I’m overwhelmed with joy,” said Jones. “The Bible says it is better to give than to receive, and until you learn how to give you don’t understand the fulfillment you get from it. We literally are bringing the races together and doing what we can to get rid of racial disparity and racial tension. We are creating an all-inclusive neighborhood and a village through our services and programs.”
The Share Shop is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am-1:00 pm. It is also open every Monday and Thursday from 10 am-1:00 pm for donations. Miracle Meals is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 am-1:00 pm. The ministry asks for a $2 monthly donation that covers both the Share Shop and Miracle Meals, but it is not mandatory. Other Purpose of God Annex programs include its summer program for youth ages 6-15, Teach-A-Teen summer program for ages 13-15, and the Mission Homes, which provides affordable housing for families without a place to live. For those wishing to volunteer they can call the Purpose of God Annex at 252-974-1484. For financial monetary donations, checks can be mailed to Purpose of God Annex, 1015 East 6th St., Washington, NC 27889.
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