Pleasant Valley Church pastor John Givins was sick during Christmas more than eight years ago and was unable to celebrate with his family.
That led to Givins having a vision to start an annual Christmas in February tradition at the church - located on Walnut Street - and it has taken place the past nine years. The most recent Christmas in February event was Sunday afternoon where more than 400 prizes were given out to participants based on a drawing. Anyone could participate and it did not cost any money.
“One Christmas I was sick and couldn’t talk,” Givins said. “God gave me a vision then when I couldn’t celebrate Christmas with my family. I was sick and had just gotten out of the hospital and God showed me that other people may be in my same situation, not just sick, but you can’t celebrate because you don’t have things.”
Givins said the turnout was greater than usual because there was extra advertising.
“We look at February as being the love month where people come together and not only celebrate the love month, but Black History Month,” he said.
Valentine’s Day is also in February.
Children performed a puppet show symbolizing how far the Lord had brought the black community as a race.
Givins gave the sermon “Something good is about to happen.”
“It’s the main thing because we want God’s people to know and the city of Clarksdale that, no matter how much negative stuff happens in Clarksdale, something good is about to happen,” Givins said. “Whatever situation you’re going through that may seem like it’s troubling or depressing, if you trust God, God will turn the situation around for you.”
Givins said his sermon every year has something to do with impacting people as far as change goes. He added his sermon in 2018 was “God is about to change your situation.”
The prizes for the drawings included a microwave, bicycle, a TV, money, household appliances, Walmart cards, gas cards and helping people pay bills.
Derrick Harris, who is a deputy for the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office, won the grand prize of $300. It was his second time coming to Christmas in February, he lives in Friars Point and recently connected with Pleasant Valley Church. His daughter, Dakota, was with him.
“I think it was great,” Givins said. “The house is packed. People are really enjoying themselves, not only just for Christmas in February, but the service itself.”
Givins thanked God for everyone who helped with Christmas in February.
“This was for the whole community. Again, we’re looking forward to next year. Everybody left with something. That was my main goal. All the food was free and everybody left with something.”
The lunches were buffet-style.
