With the right mindset and motivation, the smallest of community leaders can truly make a difference.
Led by Reverend Patrick Young, religious leaders from all five boroughs gathered Friday night at the First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst and raised over $12,500 for Haiti relief.
“Pastor Young called me and said let’s get together and do something for the people of Haiti,” said Bishop Mitchell Taylor, who partnered with Young to host the event. “The credit for the vision of this service has to go to Pastor Young. I am just proud to partner with him and be a part of it.”
Young approached Haitian-born Hip-Hop artist Wyclef Jean and asked if he could hold a service for his Yele Foundation and the people in Haiti. When Jean agreed, Young and Taylor began to plan the event and enlisted the services of their fellow preachers.
Pastors from the countless church communities in New York gathered for this honorable cause, each donating $1,000 from their respective congregations. Both Jean and Reverend Al Sharpton were scheduled as guest speakers. Jean was unable to attend, but Sharpton did and addressed the congregation.
“A lot of people think that because it is raining it is a bad day, but every day is a good day. If you don’t believe every day is a good day, try missing a day,” said Sharpton to a roar of applause. “I’m glad, even in the weather, to be with you tonight.”
The service had already been postponed once in February because of inclement weather. The nor’easter of the March 12 weekend tried its best to spoil the evening, but dozens of loyal churchgoers still battled the rain and the wind, and made their way to the East Elmhurst church.
“It was what I expected because this community is a very involved community,” said Johannie Dent, a member of the First Baptist Church. “We are big on community outreach. Had the weather been different, there would have been a larger crowd.”
The First Baptist Church, with help from the crowd in attendance, was able to raise nearly $5,000. Amongst those who donated were pastors, members of the church and its choir, and then New York State 13th senatorial district candidates, Hiram Monserrate and Assemblymember Jose Peralta.
“The spirit of giving ignited in the service,” said Taylor. “One thing is we didn’t beg. When the people saw we weren’t trying to be over-the-top, there was just a natural outpouring of love that made me feel really good.”
Initially, the church raised $11,781. But the members of the crowd were inspired to break the $12,000 plateau and raised an additional $800.
“This just shows you that whatever God puts on your heart to help a hurting humanity, he always honors it, especially when you have the heart and the mindset to do it,” said Young.
THE QUEENS COURIER/Photo by William Gallego
Through the efforts of Bishop Mitchell Taylor, Reverend Patrick Young and religious leaders from all five boroughs, over $12,500 was raised for Haiti relief at the First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst.
