Thanksgiving came early this year at the Youth Challenge program in Wildwood, FL. Residents of the program were served a Thanksgiving meal sponsored by Grace Tabernacle, a Wildwood based church, this past Saturday.
“What a wonderful place. God has provided a safe place for men to come and leave strong in the Lord,” said lead pastor of Grace Tabernacle, Gary Washburn. Based in Wildwood, FL since 1989, Youth Challenge offers faith based rehabilitation services to men ranging in age from 20 to 60 years of age.
“We are not here by chance,” said a teary eyed Steven Aponte, the head chef at the event. Aponte is an executive chef at Lexington Park, the assisted living facility located on County Road 466 in Lady Lake. Aponte was a graduate of the program over two decades ago in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. As he carved the first turkey he reassured members of the program that despite their individual transgressions and struggles, the program offers hope through salvation. “[My love of] God is the best high I ever had.”
Over 20 volunteers from Grace Tabernacle, including four pastors, helped serve the meal. They provided, prepared, and served all the food for the meal, which featured a half dozen turkeys, mashed potatoes, Hispanic rice, and all of the fixings of a traditional thanksgiving.
The dinner concluded with members of Youth Challenge explaining the difficulties incurred during a holiday away from their families. All were thankful for the volunteers from Grace Tabernacle for creating a sense of home during a time when many members struggle with being away from their families.
Grace Tabernacle next hosts a Thanksgiving dinner on November 23 at Ace’s Towing in Leesburg to benefit the homeless. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to help serve those less fortunate.
