The Beginning:

From 1986 through 1993, while attending Faith Chapel, Church of God In Christ, the Evangelist, Mother Delores Ware and the late Evangelist, Mother Rose Harris, under the leadership of Bishop Roy Dixon (then a Superintendent), taught the Kerr’s mission field work. They took food to the homeless in San Diego, California, clothing and furniture items to the poor living in the hills of Mexico, and frequently took food and blankets to those with need. The Kerr’s continued to serve the Lord throughout their military career.

In March 2004, Ms. Cornelius Ware sent a large box containing household items and clothing to Temple of Praise Community Church in Atoka, Tennessee via UPS from San Diego, California. She later stated, “Now that you have started your ministry, you need to have a rummage sale to bring in funds to help support your ministry. Here are a few things that can help.” God be Praised!

Upon receipt of the items, Pastor Kerr said, “We can’t sell these items. We should give them away to folk with need.” Sister Kerr placed the contents of this box on their front lawn under a large umbrella. The evening prior, a community resident had dropped off a van- load of toys to give away. People passed by thinking this was a yard sale. A woman stopped by and asked how much various items cost. Pastor Kerr told her it was free. She responded, “How much is this item?” Pastor Kerr stated, “It is free.” She inquired who Pastor Kerr was, why the items were free, what organization he is affiliated with, and the name of the church he attends. After talking with Pastor Kerr for a few minutes, the woman was so elated, that she said she had a bed that she would like to donate. God be Praised!

The woman came back with a beautiful twin-sized bed and laid it on the front lawn. Pastor Kerr and Sister Kerr were excited about the bed donation. Pastor Kerr realized that if no one picked up the bed, it was going to be difficult to store in their garage due to having two cars. Pastor Kerr prayed several times to the Lord, “Lord, what are we going to do with this bed, we have two cars in the garage and this bed will not fit.” Shortly after, a truck passed by the Kerr’s home suddenly braked. An elderly man jumped out of the truck, ran to Pastor Kerr and said, “How much is the bed?” Pastor Kerr said, “It’s free.” The man again asked the price of the bed. Pastor Kerr again said that the bed was free. The man stated, “No, really! How much is the bed? A family lost their home due to a fire and need a bed. So how much is it?” Pastor Kerr said, “Sir, do you need this bed. If so, it is free. “Freely we receive; freely we give!” The man paused with a puzzled look on his face and said, “No I don’t need the bed, however, a family who was just burned out need it. Pastor Kerr said, “Sir take the bed.” The man said, “I’ll be right back.”

Not long after, the man returned with a woman to inquire about the twin-sized bed. The woman also asked several times the price of the bed. After each question, Pastor Kerr said, the bed is free. Freely we receive; freely we give! As they loaded the bed onto the pickup truck, the man and the teary-eyed woman, both were touched. Prior to leaving, they received prayer.

Since then, people have donated washers, dryers, couches, clothing, beds, shoes and several other household items for people with need. On one occasion, a toilet and kitchen sink in excellent condition, were donated for the Giving Ministry. Pastor Kerr thought, “Who in the world need a toilet and kitchen sink!” A couple of days later, a woman who needed a toilet and kitchen sink happened to come by, God be praised!

Everyone who comes to the giving ministry receives the invitation to Christ and/or prayer?” So many men have broke down and cried out to the Lord through the Giving Ministry. So many family healings have taken place. My God, my God, my God!

Through your donations, prayers, seeds and financial support, God has blessed Temple of Praise Community Church’s Mission Outreach to expand into Clinton, Mississippi with additional expansions reaching Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. God be Praised!

We truly thank God for you all for allowing us to join with you in building up the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and to help win souls to inhabit that kingdom. God be Praised!