Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Long Branch Baptist Church Sewing Ministry members sit alongside Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes before the boxes are transported to Charlotte, N.C. where they are sorted and then sent to children overseas.
Mary Baynham, along with Wanda and Bert Baynham (pastor and wife), make hair scrunchies.
Jo Sloan (foreground) and Pastor Baynham work with other members on ministry projects.
Tristan Cartrite, Barbara Berry (instructor), Sarah Weimorts, Linda Cobb and Pam Jennings cut fabric to make clothes.
Long Branch Baptist Church (LBBC) in Williston’s sewing ministry celebrated its one-year anniversary on November 15.
The ministry has recently been working hard, concentrating on a Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry and also stays busy helping local nursing homes, shelters and the homeless.
“We are a community ministry and want to reach those in need,” said group participant and co-organizer, Glenda Hartin. “But, while we want to minister to those in need, we also want to draw those folks that want to learn to sew, and offer this opportunity to them. We meet one Tuesday a month and the following Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This makes it possible for those who work during the week to come on the weekend.”
Conception of the ministry began when Tina Lance posted online under the What's Happening Barnwell County Facebook page asking if anyone would like to get together to sew. Hartin quickly responded, knowing it was an answered prayer, since she had been talking with her pastor, Bert Baynham, about starting a sewing ministry. Without hesitation Baynham agreed, offering the fellowship hall for their gathering.
“I let Tina know and it became the Long Branch Baptist Church Sewing Ministry from our first organizational meeting on November 15, 2022. This month is our first anniversary,” Hartin said.
Baynham, who enjoys participating in the sewing ministry himself, said, “It’s a community-wide ministry and everyone is welcome.”
Drew Platts is LBBC’s children's church director. He and his wife, Missy, coordinate all the necessary steps to make the Samaritan's Purse Shoebox project a success.
“We packed our shoeboxes Sunday, Nov. 12, following our morning worship service,” Hartin said. “The sewing ministry made 173 dresses, 73 pairs of boy's shorts, 90 sanitary pads and pouches for the pads, 180 scrunchies and 50 small stuffies for the shoe boxes. These were in addition to the other toys, personal hygiene items, etc. that went in every box. We packed 352 shoeboxes and they were all covered in prayer.”
Baynham added, “When these kids open up shoeboxes, hopefully they'll know and understand the love of God and maybe come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. That's our hope and prayer.”
Each shoebox is marked specifically for a boy or girl according to their age. It's in God's hands where the boxes are sent to after they're transported to Samaritan's Purse packing house in Charlotte, N.C. Upon arrival at that facility, each box is opened and searched, ensuring they are free of contraband.
Donations are appreciated and essential to the ministry. Hardin said, “It costs a lot to ship just one box, and the church pays for them through tithes and donations. One of our deacons, Roy Martin, has family members that work at Disney World in Florida and is able to purchase large rolls of fabric for a very small price. The fabric is left over from the costumes they make.”
Donations of time and talents work together, hand in hand in this ministry. Barbara Berry and Jo Sloan, a retired seamstress, participate as ”two great instructors,” Hartin said. Berry also created the simple drawstring pattern the sewing ministry uses for the boys’ pants. The girls' dresses are modeled after the common pillowcase style, yet, with more of an A-line shape.
“Goodwill industries sells pillowcases to the ministry at a very cheap price,” said Hartin.
Seamstress Linda Cobb said, “Matthew 25:42-45 is the model for our mission.” 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
Cobb, who said she loves to help those overseas, confessed, “My feelings are predominantly here. Helping women's shelters, blessing bags, nursing homes and leaving blankets and socks on benches for the homeless is always on my heart.”
Those working together at this ministry range in age as well as their gifts to share. Becky Tubbs and her 91-year-old aunt, Ann Sutton, offer their talents of hand sewn embroidery on faces of stuffed animals and sewing on snaps, etc. While youngster Remy attends with her family and sometimes helps model the pillowcase dresses.
Hartin encourages anyone in the community to join them. “If you don’t want to sew on a machine, you can hand sew or even work on your own projects, get help from our instructors or simply come and enjoy the fellowship.”
The group opens each meeting with a prayer and together they sing “Bring Them In.” The kindhearted group is certainly an extension of our Savior's love.
Long Branch Baptist Church is located at 3223 Hwy. 37, Williston.
If you’re interested in more information or have donations to offer, please contact Glenda Hartin at 803-514-4796.
