Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A free concert will benefit the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, which in turn will help many families through the upcoming winter months, according to Bob McCreary one of the supporters of the event. McCreary is the pastor of the Holton Christian Church.

National Christian Artist Mitch McVicker will be giving a concert at the Damm Theatre in Osgood this Sunday, October 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

According to McCreary the concert is being sponsored by area churches and businesses, allowing a offering that will be taken during the concert, to go directly to the local food pantry.

Also those attending the free event are asked to bring non-perishable food items that night. McCreary noted that things such as chicken noodle soup, other soups and crackers are good items to bring.

Information from Carl Moore, director of the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry located in Osgood, are that so far this year they have given out nearly $30,000 worth of food items to needy families. He said that was a 51% increase over last year. “The recession is really hurting many families,” Moore noted.
Moore said the food pantry currently has a waiting list or newly registered people around 140, which is 18 more people on an average they are serving each month.

The Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry receives no government funding and are supported exclusively by churches, businesses, and individual donations, according to McCreary. He says their projects distribution for this year will be $43,000 in food items.

McCreary is thankful for the individuals who have been willing to support the concert, and the helpfulness of Steve Gloyd of the Gilmore and Golda Reynolds Foundation, in setting up the event. The sponsors are also partnering with Christian radio WYGS 88.1, who is promoting the event as well.

Mitch McVicker is a national artist who supports Compassion International, which is an international Christian based organization providing basic needs for children in third world countries. He is currently on a national tour that is supporting his fifth, and most recent CD release, “Always Believe.”
McCreary said, “He really believes in what we are doing (in Ripley County) and is driving in that day after doing a show in Missouri on Saturday night.”

McVicker has traveled in 49 states, seven countries, where he has shared in nearly 1000 concerts. He has multiple awards, including a Dove Award for “My Deliverer,” a song co-written with the late Rich Mullins.

While his career path may not seem glamorous to some, as McVicker actually does his own driving, set up, tear down and books his tour schedule himself, he said, “It is worth it.”

“I’ve heard it said that our calling is where our deepest joy and the world’s greater need meet. I know the last thing the world needs is another Christian musician...but, the world does need to know the truth.” He said, “I love doing this, and I get to create and do what I can so that the truth can, perhaps, be exposed a bit more.”

McVicker has a passion for music and for helping others. He traveled for several years with Rich Mullins before the two were in a car accident, which claimed the life of Mullins. It left McVicker in critical condition with collapsed lungs, broken bones, and in a coma. It took several years for his recovery, which he says infuses everything he does to this day.

The Always Believe tour brings these lyrics, “I can’t worry about the weather. We are called to trust and believe, regardless of the experiences we encounter. In life there is trouble; but in trouble, there is life.”

You’re invited to hear this inspirational artist right in Osgood at the Damm Theatre this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. as he shares his personal life through Christian music to help others in need.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Mitch McVicker, National Christian Recording Artist will be performing a free concert at the Damm Theatre in Osgood this Sunday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m. thanks to the generosity of area churches and businesses. Those attending are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Osgood.