Many workers who had been serving Four States Fair customers all week got a chance to be served at a traditional lunch for fair workers Thursday at First Baptist Church, Moores Lane, in Texarkana, Texas.
There was no shortage of food filling up several tables as diners struggled mightily to make short work of the bounty. The church servers maintained the tradition of ensuring no one went hungry.
"This is a tradition of ours," said Mike Beck, missions pastor for First Baptist Church. "We invite the workers during fair week to come and have lunch. Our members bring just about everything except for the main meats. We want to thank them for the job they do. It can sometimes seem like their job is thankless."
Door prizes were also offered for attending.
"In addition, we are giving $10 gift cards and the Gideons are handing out Bibles," Beck said.
Church members like Debbie Sapaugh handled the duties of serving the diners. Sapaugh, who has been attending for more than 43 years, was very enthusiastic about this chance to serve.
"It is wonderful. It warms your heart to warm their bellies," she said. "I think it is awesome our church does this. This is the spirit of serving, of giving. Count on First Baptist to take care of the community. Mike Beck, Stephanie Bright (pastor of childhood education) and all their people set this up for the people who work at the fair and to share Jesus with the public."
As the workers left, they filed through the lines, filling up to-go boxes.
"Our members made this possible," said Pat Nance, event coordinator. "We put out a need to our church, our church responds. It makes me feel good."