Blytheville, Arkansas – Word of Truth Global Ministries kicked off its 15th annual Thanksgiving dinner with an incredible display of generosity and community spirit, serving more than 600 meals in just the first hour of the event. The church, known for its commitment to outreach, opened its doors Wednesday to feed residents in need and create a sense of togetherness on the holiday.
Evangelist Tonya Osagie emphasized the importance of events like this in addressing real needs in the community. “We feel like this is something very special for the community, it’s very needed for the community, so something like this gives us joy and gratification to know we are doing something great for our community,” she said. The event, which has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Blytheville, draws volunteers and families eager to help and participate in a shared effort to serve others.
Tonya and her husband, Pastor Sunny Osagie, view this outreach as a calling rather than a simple charitable act. “We’re just glad to do it for the community,” Pastor Sunny said, while Tonya added, “I think it’s such an awesome feeling to be able to give back. It’s for me, something that comes naturally, but to have all the rest of our church family join in, just pitch in where needed, it’s an awesome, awesome feeling.” Their dedication has helped foster a culture of giving and involvement among the church members, many of whom volunteer each year to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Elizabeth Smith, one of the many volunteers helping serve the meals, said participating in the dinner fulfills a sense of responsibility to the community. “It means we are doing what we were called to do,” Smith said. “We are supposed to feed the hungry and not be selfish.” She explained that the effort goes beyond simply providing food—it is about actively demonstrating care and reaching those who might otherwise go without on a holiday meant for family and gratitude.
Smith described the broader significance of the event, highlighting the proactive role the church plays in addressing hunger. “It means that if someone is out there hungry, we have tried to reach them, and we haven’t just been sitting at our table,” she said. The sentiment reflects a wider mission embraced by the Osagies and the congregation: to meet tangible needs while fostering a sense of unity and compassion throughout Blytheville.
The Thanksgiving dinner featured not only traditional holiday meals but also an atmosphere of community connection, with volunteers working tirelessly to ensure each guest felt welcome. Sunny and Tonya expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event, from cooking and serving meals to organizing logistics and welcoming attendees.
Looking ahead, the Osagies plan to continue this tradition for years to come, determined to make sure no one in their community misses out on the warmth and nourishment of a Thanksgiving meal. Their commitment underscores the impact local faith-based organizations can have in supporting vulnerable populations and promoting generosity, compassion, and service.
As the 15th annual Thanksgiving dinner drew to a close, the church had successfully provided hundreds of meals, leaving volunteers and attendees alike with a renewed sense of community spirit. For the Osagies and their congregation, the event represents more than just a meal—it is a demonstration of love, service, and the enduring power of giving back.
