Random Acts of Kindness
The call of mission, evangelism, and growth are intertwined with the work of the church. This call is particularly true in the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield announced this initiative at the 13th District Planning Meeting in November 2021.
Faith in Action was implemented at the 2022 Mid-Year Convocation in multiple ways: Random Acts of Kindness; Targeted prayer for a community in transition; Support and care of a specific family in need; and providing resources to the AME Church in the area to continue the work. The 13th Episcopal District Lay Organization and its President, led by Bro. Christopher Michael Wilson coordinated the Random Acts of Kindness. The 13th District Evangelism Component, Presiding Elder Terence Mayes, Chair, coordinated the Targeted Prayer. Sis. Latanya Germany 13th and the Women Missionary Society coordinated Specific Family in Need, and the Rev. Errol Thomas, MD, host pastor of St. John AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee, provided various resources, training, and support.
On the closing day of the 2022 Mid-Year Convocation, Bishop Henning Byfield and the members of the 13thEpiscopal District took to the streets of the Whitehaven community of Memphis, Tennessee. The Whitehaven community is a staple but changing black community in Memphis. Members of the 13th Episcopal District and Bishop and Supervisor Byfield positioned themselves at local Kroger check-out lanes providing gift cards for patrons, employees, and staff. Other members of the 13th team were located at the Kroger gas station, greeting patrons with gift cards. Others were in prayer circles, praying for passersby and for the community. Several families expressed gratitude and asked for additional support and prayer, and looked to connect with a local church.
The 13th District was also notified of a family in crisis. Led by the Women’s Missionary Society and the YPD, clothes, toiletries, gifts, money, gift cards, and cards to various restaurants and grocery stores were presented to this wonderful family. Continual support, along with the purchase of a Play Station and other items for the family, will be delivered. This action-oriented ministry will be an ongoing ministry of the District.
We thank God for Faith In Action and the vision of our leaders, Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield and Supervisor Ainsley M. Byfield, and the dedicated and kindhearted people of the 13th Episcopal District.
Visit www.ame13.org to view a video documenting these efforts.
