Love Out Loud kicks off 6th year of service next week
Love Out Loud is what many consider a “mission trip inside Neshoba County,” according to David Addy, one of the organizers.
The annual event provides the community with an opportunity to demonstrate their love and support for those in need.
Addy, the Director of Missions at the Neshoba Baptist Center, said this year marks the sixth year for Love Out Loud, with about 40 ministry sites again this year.
Love Out Loud 2025 starts on Monday, June 16, and runs through Thursday, June 19.
“I’m excited about the excitement that’s across our county,” Addy said. “It’s become a staple that people want to serve and bring needs out as we continue and go forward.”
Anyone interested in participating in Love Out Loud should come to the Neshoba Baptist Center, located at 903 Valley View Drive, and choose a task from the various ministry sites. Online registration is also available.
Addy said this year’s projects include yard work, school bus cleaning, painting two rooms at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, building a ramp at First Baptist, offering a free car wash and drive-thru prayer at the Methodist Church, performing puppet shows at daycares and nursing homes, and assembling “bags of hope” for the homeless, which will be given out throughout the year.
Each day begins around 7:45 a.m. with a light breakfast of biscuits and fruit provided by the community. During breakfast, participants will sign up for various ministry opportunities, and at around 8:10 a.m., worship and devotions, led by the Rev. Wayne Hudson, will begin, followed by the distribution of volunteers to serve. Each day ends around noon.
During the week of Love Out Loud, a free clothes giveaway will take place at the Baptist Center on Tuesday, June 17, at 10 a.m., featuring men’s, women’s, children’s, and miscellaneous items available for pick-up.
A community worship service will be held at the Ellis Theater on Wednesday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m., featuring Christian singer and guest speaker Charles Billingsley.
Also on Wednesday, a free dog and cat vaccination clinic will be offered at the Baptist Center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., where Dr. Thomas Tischer of Neshoba Animal Clinic will provide the vaccinations.
The event concludes on Thursday with a hamburger and hotdog lunch at 11:30 a.m. back at the Baptist Center.
“We want to serve everybody and do whatever we can,” Addy said. “Don’t be afraid, just come serve. Come find your spot and trust that the Lord has a place for you.”
Addy said last year’s event saw about 350 participants.
Donations being accepted this year include new stuffed animals, bed-in-a-bag sets, children’s story books and bibles, diapers and baby items, backpacks, blankets, winter hats and gloves, t-shirts, socks, small hygiene items, bath cloths, notebook paper, washable markers and crayons, canned meats and vegetables, used sports equipment, zip lock bags, pet treats and toys, bottled water and lemonade, Bibles, and more.
“We love God and want to demonstrate our love of God through loving and serving people,” Addy said.
For more information about Love Out Loud, contact David Addy at (601) 741-2225 or email addyneshoba@gmail.com. To register online, visit www.loveoutloudneshoba.splashthat.com.