AFTER THE FIRE BBQ & FELLOWSHIP BRINGS HOPE, HELP, AND HEALING TO FORT WORTH’S HISTORIC 76104 MORNINGSIDE COMMUNITY.
AFTER THE FIRE BBQ & FELLOWSHIP BRINGS HOPE, HELP, AND HEALING TO FORT WORTH’S HISTORIC 76104 MORNINGSIDE COMMUNITY. Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/Im1l-RNv_Zg?si=JiJEadF-ZytLV2_r
Neighbors From Around the World Unite to Serve Families Impacted by May 24 Apartment Fire
“And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.”
— Malachi 3:12
By Staff Reports
FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Sometimes God reminds us that the world is much smaller than we think.
Sometimes He reminds us that compassion speaks every language.
And sometimes He sends that reminder in the form of a volunteer named Moses.
On Sunday afternoon, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church transformed a tragedy into an opportunity for ministry as neighbors, churches, businesses, and community organizations gathered for the After the Fire BBQ & Fellowship to serve families impacted by the devastating May 24 lightning-caused apartment fire across the street from the church in Fort Worth’s historic Morningside community.
What began as a disaster response became a living testimony of faith, fellowship, and God’s ability to bring people together across every imaginable boundary.
While Texas temperatures climbed and the summer sun beat down on the neighborhood, nearly thirty volunteers from around the world answered the call to serve.
Volunteers with roots in India, Trinidad, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Southside of Fort Worth stood shoulder to shoulder with neighbors whose families trace their heritage to Honduras, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and numerous other nations.
For a few beautiful hours, accents didn’t matter.
Borders didn’t matter.
Politics didn’t matter.
What mattered was love.
What mattered was service.
What mattered was demonstrating the compassion of Jesus Christ to families navigating one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The gathering became a powerful reflection of the scripture found in Malachi 3:12—people from many nations gathering in one place to be a blessing and to receive a blessing.
The event was made possible through the generosity, dedication, and servant leadership of an extraordinary coalition of community partners.
Special appreciation is extended to Derrick and Keisha Walker and Smoke-A-Holics, whose outstanding barbecue brought smiles, comfort, and fellowship to dozens of families.
We celebrate the leadership of Aracely Vasquez and LULAC Council 22308, Chef Neke and The Abigayle Initiative, Vicki Mallet and Project Stand Up, the Ministers Justice Coalition, and MoLesa Williams and YOUtopian Estates, whose commitment to service helped make the day possible.
We also honor the contributions of Pastor and Mrs. Felton Jenkins and the Boyz to Men Mentor Group, David Ramos and God’s Army, Coach Patrick Brown and the Southside Hornets, Rev. Dr. Elisha Moguluri and Grace Church Ministries in India, Pastor A.C. Blake and Harvest Family Life Church and CarePortal, Dorline and Shalonda Levels and Levels of Life, Pastor Robert Brown and Christ Temple Church, and the faithful members of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church—The Unstoppable Church.
Together, these organizations demonstrated what can happen when a community chooses compassion over indifference, cooperation over division, and service over self-interest.
Throughout the afternoon, children laughed and played.
Neighbors shared stories and meals.
Volunteers unloaded furniture, distributed clothing, assembled supplies, and offered encouragement.
Families received much-needed beds, sofas, household items, and other essentials to help them begin rebuilding what had been lost.
Yet perhaps the greatest gift provided that day could not be loaded into a truck or carried through a doorway.
It was hope.
It was dignity.
It was the assurance that even after tragedy strikes, no family has to walk alone.
As volunteers listened, prayed, embraced families, served meals, and extended kindness, confidence was restored and faith was renewed.
Many families expressed appreciation not simply for the material assistance they received, but for the love they experienced from complete strangers who treated them like family.
The event also revealed ongoing needs among many of the affected residents, particularly for baby supplies, household necessities, furniture, and basic living essentials.
For that reason, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church will continue serving as a Redemption Hub for families impacted by the fire, connecting residents with resources, donations, volunteers, and supportive services in the weeks and months ahead.
“We are grateful to every volunteer, every donor, every church, every organization, and every neighbor who allowed us the privilege of serving,” said Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.
“When people from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds come together in the name of Jesus Christ, we discover that we are far more alike than we are different. We are all God’s children, and we are called to bear one another’s burdens. What happened here today was not simply community service—it was ministry.”
The After the Fire BBQ & Fellowship was more than a meal.
It was more than a donation drive.
It was more than a neighborhood gathering.
It was a reminder that love still lives in 76104.
It was a reminder that faith still works.
It was a reminder that the Church is at its best when it leaves the building and enters the community.
And it was a reminder that when neighbors come together, healing begins.
“We Help As We Heal.”
— Galatians 6:2
For information about donating furniture, household goods, baby supplies, or other items for families impacted by the fire, contact Aracely Vasquez at 817-231-2476 or visit www.newmountrose.com.
New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church
2864 Mississippi Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
THE UNSTOPPABLE CHURCH
Matthew 16:18
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