By LeAnn Hampton
Once again, Wilshire became the village of Bethlehem for the evening of Dec. 19. It takes a village to create a village, and Wilshire, what a village you were! Approximately 160 volunteers were involved with preparation, setup, cleanup and supporting the event.
The Planning Committee is grateful for everyone who donated, planned, organized, made play dough, moved furniture, set up and decorated tents, assigned costumes, worked in booths, served as the Holy Family, told the Bible story of the birth of Jesus, prepared food, took photographs, helped children and their parents, promoted the event, demonstrated skills, provided medical support, danced, sang, played an instrument, acted, greeted indoors and outdoors, watched the animals, helped with the telescope, gave directions, cleaned up, prayed and encouraged.
About 240 individuals entered our doors and heard the message of God’s love. We also created new friendships within our Wilshire village as people worked together on various tasks. An event of this magnitude requires countless hours of volunteer service, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support.
The Planning Committee — Kelly Akins, Courtney Carter, Cindy Coleman, Elizabeth Ferguson, Julie Girards, Dawn Hallman, Steven Hallman, Jeff Hampton, LeAnn Hampton, Anna Hines, Candy McComb, Mary Skinner, Allan Stafford, Sarah Stafford, Christy Tabor and Terry Wade — began working several months ago and spent many hours managing all of the details involved in this special event. We are especially grateful for all Wilshire staff for their help and support. We are eager to see how God will use these efforts in the days ahead.