By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times editor

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells His followers “I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.”

Jesus’ followers were puzzled and asked when they had seen Him hungry or thirsty, needed clothing or was sick.

Jesus’ reply was simple: ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Matthew 25:31-45, (NIV)

Folks at Dexter’s First Baptist Church are taking this story to heart as we begin Easter Week, and are pitching in to help folks in the community.

Monday evening (April 2) from 6 until 8:30 p.m., the church is hosting a Clothing Giveaway for the community. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and shoes will be available for free. The giveaway will be held in the church Fellowship Hall – Walnut Street entrance.

“Come and be blessed,” organizers of the event say. The clothing items have all been donated by members of the First Baptist Church family for this project. “The church has been blessed with a large donation of clothing and we want to pass it on.”

The Thursday Bible Study group came up with a wonderful idea as a result of a study of the book of James.

In the book of James, Jesus’ brother admonishes believer that “you can learn all the right words” yet never do anything – that talking about faith is not a sure indicator of deep faith.

“Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department." Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove. James 5:17-18 (The Message)