The Best Gift: Connecting Family and Faith Communities to Jubilee
Britni Rose is a preacher’s kid. Her parents, Pastor and Mrs. Allen and Elsie Rose, instilled lifelong values that she brings to her work managing Jubilee’s volunteer program. When talk at the family dinner table earlier this year turned to how the Ebenezer New Horizon Church could give back this Christmas season, Britni had an idea.
“What if the church sponsors Christmas gifts for some people Jubilee supports who don’t have much family in their lives?” Britni suggested. “We can make Christmas festive for them.”
Her suggestion got an enthusiastic yes, and it also sparked some old memories for Britni’s father.
“I remember spending time with another student back at Gaithersburg High school,” shared Pastor Rose. “Looking back, I see now what I couldn’t see as a teen. I don’t think he was treated well, in part because he had a disability. I do remember his love of riding his bike. He’d ride for miles. I think it was his way of getting away from his troubles.”
“Dad, was his name Curtis?” asked Britni. “I believe it was,” he replied.
Britni knew something her dad didn’t. Jubilee supports Curtis Cooper, an avid bike rider who grew up in Gaithersburg. Britini acted on her hunch, and quickly set up a call between Curtis and her dad. The two old friends reconnected, and Paster Allen learned that Curtis is now happily living with his best friend and supported by a dedicated team from Jubilee. Now, Pastor Rose’s church will help make Christmas festive for Curtis, as he’s one of the people the Church will provide gifts to this Christmas. Pastor Rose will be bringing Curtis’ gifts himself, so they can reconnect in person.
“Because of my work, I was able to meet with the people we’re giving gifts to and find out what would make them happy. One person loves art, so we’re gifting really beautiful art supplies so she can spend time on her hobby. For me, connecting Jubilee, my family, and my church community during Christmas is the best gift of all,” said Britni.