The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association and Principles of Doctrine of Christ Ministries are hosting a backpack giveaway this Saturday to support local youth.

The event, now in its fifth year, was initiated in response to a tragic incident in 2021 when a 12-year-old boy was killed while playing video games at his grandmother’s house. The organizers aim to provide both school supplies and spiritual support to children in the community.

“We wanted to pray for the youth, pray for their protection,” Deborah Cooley of PDOC Ministries said. “Because they do need the supplies, but you do need prayer to get through this life.”

The giveaway event will feature backpacks tailored to different age groups, ensuring that children from elementary to high school have appropriate supplies.

“The supplies this year are the same for each age group, but the backpack sizes vary,” Cooley explained. In addition to the backpack distribution, a bookmobile from the Indianapolis Public Library will be present, allowing children to select books of their choice.

This initiative aims to encourage reading and provide children with autonomy in their learning. The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association will also participate by offering tours of a fire truck, adding an educational and interactive element to the event.

Cory Floyd, President of the IBFA, emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing societal issues.

The backpack giveaway represents a collaborative effort to address both educational and spiritual needs within the community, with organizers encouraging early attendance due to the event’s first-come, first-served nature.

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Matthew West, an acclaimed Christian music singer-songwriter, will perform at the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana, on July 28.

This concert is part of West’s tour promoting his 13th studio album, ‘Don’t Stop Praying,’ which includes the hit single of the same name.

“I’ve just never been so excited to be making music and hopefully putting some messages of hope out into the world,” West shared in a recent interview.

Matthew West has achieved significant acclaim in the music industry, boasting 37 No. 1 songs as both an artist and songwriter.

His accolades include five GRAMMY nominations, an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and multiple GMA Dove Awards.

Beyond his music career, West has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards seven times and has over 275 songwriting credits, collaborating with artists like Rascal Flatts, Amy Grant, and Casting Crowns.

The Brown County Music Center, celebrating its fifth anniversary, offers an intimate concert experience with its 2,000-seat venue. Since its opening in 2019, it has hosted a wide range of artists, including Vince Gill and The Beach Boys.

Tickets for Matthew West’s concert are now available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, browncountymusiccenter.com and at the venue’s box office.

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Twelve-year-old Champ Pittman has published his first book, inspired by his younger brother’s experiences on his first day of kindergarten.

Champ’s book, titled ‘Cash’s First Day of Kindergarten,’ draws from the real-life experiences of his brother, Cash, and aims to share a story of kindness and support.

Champ’s motivation to write the book stemmed from his desire to support his brother during the ups and downs of starting kindergarten. “He’s the best brother I could have and I love him,” Champ said, expressing his admiration for Cash.

Ashley, Champ’s mother, shared that Champ has always been a caring and responsible child.

Champ is already working on his next book, which will focus on Cash’s first baseball game, indicating his continued interest in writing and storytelling.

Champ credits his faith and the support of his family for helping him through the writing process, saying, “God helped me go through the book without no struggles.”

Champ Pittman’s journey as a young author is just beginning, with his stories reflecting the love and support he shares with his family. His work is a testament to his creativity and compassion.

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New Beginnings Fellowship Church, led by Dr. James A. Jackson, Sr., recently hosted a 6K walk to support children in Rwanda by providing access to cleaner water.

The church partnered with World Vision for the event, which symbolizes the distance children in Rwanda walk to fetch water that is often not clean. The initiative aims to reduce the distance and improve water quality for these communities.

Dr. Jackson highlighted the challenges of maintaining faith amidst life’s struggles, noting that the Bible contains stories of people who faced similar battles.

He stressed the importance of understanding that struggling with faith is a natural response to life’s difficulties.

The church broadcasts its services on WNDY-TV, allowing people to experience ministry from home. Dr. Jackson noted that this has become increasingly popular since the pandemic, as people have grown comfortable with remote worship.

Despite the convenience of home worship, Dr. Jackson emphasized the benefits of attending church in person, such as fellowship and mutual encouragement among believers. He believes that being around others can help individuals realize they are not alone in their struggles.

Through initiatives like the 6K walk, New Beginnings Fellowship Church continues to extend its mission beyond its walls, fostering hope and faith in communities both locally and globally.

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The Rejoicing Vine, a mission-driven winery in northwest Indianapolis, was founded by Brent Comfort and his wife Frances as a calling from God to strengthen community and promote environmental stewardship.

The Rejoicing Vine specializes in sparkling wines and is committed to strengthening the community and encouraging Hoosiers to be better stewards. As Indiana’s only regeneratively farmed vineyard and sparkling-focused winery, it aims to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50%.

Comfort shared that his faith has been instrumental in overcoming challenges in the wine industry, despite not having prior experience. He expressed that their belief in God’s calling has provided them with the confidence to succeed.

The winery’s philosophy is centered around the communal nature of wine, which Comfort believes encourages people to engage in meaningful conversations and build relationships.

The Rejoicing Vine offers a tasting room and vineyard located on West 82nd Street in Indianapolis. Their wines are available for purchase online, with shipping to about 40 states.

The Rejoicing Vine exemplifies how faith and community can intertwine to create a business that not only offers quality wine but also fosters connections and environmental awareness.

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The Newsboys is one of the most influential Christian music bands of all time.

Having sold over 10 million albums across 23 recordings and garnering boundless accolades the Newsboys has been synonymous with the genre for decades.

The group is known for its signature songs like “We Believe,” “Born Again,” and the mega-hit “God’s Not Dead," which birthed a film franchise of the same name.

For over three decades, Newsboys has toured extensively worldwide to present their unparalleled high-energy shows. With special guest Alive City.

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The National Bank of Indianapolis has partnered with New Direction Church, creating the East 38th Street Renaissance Alliance to support community initiatives in Indianapolis, including a $200,000 investment in a First Time Home Buyers Down Payment Assistance program.

This collaboration aims to bolster community development and provide essential resources to residents, particularly in underserved areas. The partnership was initiated through connections between bank directors and community leaders, highlighting a shared commitment to local growth and support.

The partnership between The National Bank of Indianapolis and New Direction Church is part of a broader effort to enhance community services and economic opportunities in the area. Dr. Kenneth E. Sullivan Jr. noted that the church hosts five major events each year, which are now supported by the bank’s sponsorship.

The collaboration also includes financial wellness and literacy classes, which are designed to equip community members with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial success. These initiatives reflect the bank’s mission to be a resource for the community and to listen to the needs of its residents.

The partnership between The National Bank of Indianapolis and New Direction Church exemplifies how local institutions can work together to drive positive change and support community development.

By investing in housing and financial education, the bank is helping to lay the foundation for a more prosperous future for Indianapolis residents.

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