As 2018 ended, our the teens and adults involved with our Wednesday night Youth For Christ decided to participate in the NCDOT's Adopt-A-Highway Program. We adopted the two-mile stretch of Alt. Hwy 74 in front of the church. This decision was due to a desire to become more involved and visible in our local church community.

On Friday April 26th, we did our first roadside cleanup. A group of seven (3 adults and 4 teens) made the two-mile journey to pick-up trash and other debris. While they were walking the highway, back at the church, there was a group picking up trash in the churchyard (two adults and 2 preschoolers). It was hard work, but in the end it was rewarding to see all the bags of trash and debris ready for pickup around our AAH signs. God has called each of us to be keepers of His creation. Riverside YFC is on its way to fulfilling this call!

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

The Riverside Youth For Christ dedicated 2018 as our "Year of Service". The teens volunteered in several areas of the church including church cleanup days, serving as VBS staff, and assisting the adults in preparing for fellowship dinners, decorating for special events, and providing meals for families who had lost loved ones. As the year ended, the group decided to adopt the two-mile stretch of Alt. Hwy 74 in front of the church. This decision was due to a desire to become more involved in our local church community.

However, probably the most eye-opening experience of the year for our youth was our outreach to the Lumberton Christian Care Center. During Easter break our teens, accompanied by several adults, went to the Center to help serve lunch. The LCCC President, Mrs. Clementine Thompson-McCormick, took our group on a tour of the facility and shared with us about the ministry the LCCC has to the homeless in Lumberton and the surrounding areas. She also shared with us some of the Center's needs. The youth decided that they wanted to do more than just serve meals – so they started a quarter fundraiser for the Center. In August, the youth returned to the Center to help serve lunch again, but this time they left something at the Center. The Riverside Youth For Christ presented Mrs. Thompson-McCormick with a check from funds raised through their quarter drive efforts! The adults at the church also felt led to help – so the Adult Riverside Outreach group collected and donated clothing and other needed supplies for the Center. The Center was very appreciative of all of gifts as well our service. We have been asked to return to help this year – which we plan on doing.

During this past year, our youth were able to experience first hand what it feels like to serve and minister to others. For some, it was an eye-opening experience. For others, it allowed them to desire to do more for others. For all involved, it was a growing and learning experience. It is our prayer that our young people will continue to grow in their desire to serve and will allow the following verses to be their guides:

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

"Preach the Word"
Local Preacher Dedication for Brother Orland Locklear

On Sunday September 2, 2018, Riverside's Sunday School Superintendent and Exhorter Orland Locklear took another step in his ministry life -- by receiving his Local Preacher's license. Bishop Jimmy Locklear and Rev. Marvin Locklear lead the dedication service. Both gave words of encouragement to Brother Orland and then anointed him for God's service.

Behind every good preacher is a good preacher's wife – supportive, understanding, caring and most importantly praying. This is a perfect description of Brother Orland's wife – Sister Tammy Locklear. She also received words of encouragement from Bishop Locklear and Pastor Marvin.

Then, the bishop challenged the congregation to pray for and encourage this couple as they embark on a new level of service to God's kingdom.

Personally, I would like to conclude this article by sharing three verses, which are meant to encourage and challenge Brother Orland as he continues to minister and serve the Lord:

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV)

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."(2 Timothy 4:2 KJV)

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

Brother Orland -- remember to always put God first and to Preach the Word – continue to tell it like it is, not just what we want to hear!

On November 4th Riverside Holiness Methodist church celebrated Old Fashion Sunday and Senior Citizens day. We were filled with the word of God and with good food. Glory to the precious lamb of God for mercy and grace.