By John Howell Sr.

The Convoy of Hope found assurance of an enthusiastic reception for its May visit when about 100 volunteers showed up on a February night to plan for the extensive one-day aid distribution.

Dr. David Ball, who has become a liaison to the national Convoy of Hope organization, opened the Tuesday Feb. 8 meeting held at Batesville’s First Baptist Church.

The Convoy of Hope is an international non-profit organization that offers multiple free services including food and clothing distribution, counseling and pulling together like-minded organizations through partner resourcing, according its web site, convoyofhope.org.

During brief introductory remarks to the group, which included many veterans of mission trips to Central America and other locales, Ball said, “This is primarily a project to deal with our own needs in this community,” Ball said. “I don’t have any problems with foreign missions … , but I think we start at home. I think that’s Biblical.”

“I do want every church to be given an opportunity …,” Ball continued. “I don’t want to exclude any church, I want them to understand that this is a joint project; this is not First Baptist Church doing this. This is not any particular group, evangelicals or whatever; this is the Body of Christ and I want us all to support it,” he said.

The meeting divided into committees, tasked with everything from distributing clothing to providing haircuts and raising the $20,000 thought needed to underwrite the project.

“It’s going to take 300 or more people to do this, maybe 500,” Ball said. “I’m looking for a minimum of 3,000 people to show up and we’re going to need tables and chairs and food for all these,” he added.

The Convoy of Hope food and services distribution will be handled inside the Batesville Civic Center and the adjoining arena. Ball estimated that participants will leave with $300 to $400 in goods and services, including the free bag of groceries offloaded from the Convoy of Hope trailer. In addition to the free groceries, there will be a job fair, free medical and dental exams, a clothes closet with free clothing, free haircuts, entertainment including children’s activities and free family portraits, free Bibles and help with GED and reading skills.

Counseling will be offered for people experiencing spiritual, emotional and family problems.

Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served throughout the day.

Among needs are golf carts for transporting the handicapped, a building where clothing can be collected, sorted and stored

“We’re meeting physical needs with the hope of meeting spiritual need,” said Randy Boren, who is assisting with fundraising.

The visit by the Convoy of Hope is sponsored by a coalition of least 30 Panola County churches, most of which were represented at the Tuesday night meeting.