Gethsemane Church Charity in Berwick stayed open right through the Christmas break – including on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
When the La-Brooy family sat down to their Christmas lunch it was way into the evening, nevertheless Kerrigan, his wife Michelle and their six children, had never felt happier and more content.
“We believe people need help and food particularly at this time of the year, so we didn’t want to shut our doors for even a single day,” Mr La-Brooy said.
“Although our hours of operation are 12 to 2pm, we welcomed community members 24/7 – all they had to do was knock on our door.
“We ensured our ‘holiday’ didn’t infringe on people’s needs. Plus, it was our way of fulfilling the true meaning of Christmas.”
Around 400 people benefit daily from Gethsemane Church Charity. During the Christmas season this number doubled.
In addition to hosting the Clyde Carols by Candlelight, Gethsemane went house-to-house carolling.
This included retirement villages and nursing homes where the inhabitants and staff alike, were touched by the love and compassion shared, as they were treated to carol singing and Christmas cheer.
Gethsemane’s Christmas Miracle was a poignant moment for many, because for some children, it was the only gift they received for Christmas.
A full-time professional singer, songwriter and entertainer before becoming a Pastor, Mr La-Brooy is also contemplating returning to the studio to record and release a family gospel album while his six children are still in their childhood-voice-mode.
He plans to donate proceeds from the album to the charity.
“Our vision and mission at Gethsemane is not confined to the four walls of the church building but to cater to the community whether they come to church or not,” he said.
Gethsemane seeks to expand its territory because they’ve enlarged the site of their home and stretched their curtains wide, with barely enough space to operate.
They’re hopeful they’ll be funded in some way to acquire a warehouse and other necessities where they can continue their charitable services.
