Local churches team up for mission walk
You may see a lot of people dressed in red shirts knocking on doors starting June 20, as part of a group church mission walk.
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is teaming up with North Fort Myers United Methodist Church for the event.
They are calling it the “Celebrate Jesus Mission,” with the words emblazoned on their bright red shirts. The event revolves around Christian missionaries they have invited in from other Florida areas and states.
“They are actually leading the event – we are helping them,” said Good Shepherd event coordinator Audrey Martin. “We’ll be walking around from June 20 through June 26 throughout North Fort Myers and North Cape Coral.”
They will be stopping in several residences and businesses.
“They are going to go to some on the local businesses delivering cookies, snacks and so forth just to show random acts of kindness,” she said. “They’ll also be rapping on doors giving out information and a free invitation to the block party.”
A bag with information from the churches will also be distributed.
The event will culminate with a block party on June 26 from 5-8 p.m. at the Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers.
The Christian missionaries will be in town throughout the event.
There is an interesting connection between the two churches, said Martin. “Pastor Lia Willetts is the pastor of North Fort Myers United Methodist Church and her husband, Pastor Tom Willetts, is our pastor at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church,” she said.
Martin said another interesting fact about North Fort Myers is that Lia Willetts also offers a Spanish service, in addition to the regular service.
Organizers have said they are enjoying working with the Shell Factory in planning the block party.
“The Shell Factory has been so nice, and so cooperative,” Martin said. “They are also doing anything to help. They are wonderful people.”
They will also have help from Suncoast Mission.
“When we walk, we will also get prayer requests for spiritual needs and invite people to the block party,” said Suncoast Mission’s Susan Gillespie. “That event will be an upbeat thing. We have two Christian rock bands coming.”
To make it even more fun, former PGA Golf Pro and Good Shepherd Church member John Stephenson will be giving putting lessons at the event.
Besides Martin and Gillespie, some of the other organizers and supporters for the upcoming mission walk include Nan Friedman, Barb Patton, Marge Gundling, Ron Stevens, Jim and Stephenson. They are from Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.
From North Fort Myers United Methodist Church, Tim and Liz Easton are in charge of the block party, Barbara White is a key leader and Dave Fredrick is charge of visitation.
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is located at 2951 off Trail Dairy Road, and its phone number is 543-2686. North Fort Myers United Methodist Church is located 81 Pondella Road and that number is 995-2852.