Story by Brittany Hickey
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Low and no-income individuals and families will have a chance to find peace this Christmas Eve at Radical Mission’s sixth annual Warm Souls Christmas Celebration.
The Clarksville Transit System buses will provide free transportation to and from the event. Beginning at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve, members of the community can begin celebrating at the Hilldale Baptist Family Life Center.
Visitors can listen to live music and gather around the table to enjoy a free holiday meal with their family for lunch. Before lunch, the family can have their hair cut, and family portraits taken.
Emman Chapman, Assistant Director of Radical Mission, said when he has struggled in the past, he was never alone, and his gratitude to God and the people who showed him love inspired him to take part in organizing the celebration.
“We have a heart for those who wouldn’t have a Christmas celebration otherwise,” Chapman said. “My calling is to be the hands and feet of Jesus; to show the love and grace that have been shown to me. Helping others to know they matter, they have a purpose.”
Radical Mission Compassionate Ministries gathers volunteers, donations and community partnerships every holiday season to bring a day of comfort and rest to the struggling people of Clarksville. Religious and nonreligious organizations alike join together each year to put on a four-hour event with a free meal, live music, free haircuts, vision screening, gifts and free family portraits.
“So many people don’t have [a family portrait], this is their first and only one,” Chapman said.
In addition to all of the other services, there will be a “free store” where guests can get winter coats and clothing for the whole family.
“Relationally, the biggest impact is that we all sit down and eat together,” Chapman said. “It breaks down barriers and develops relationships through love and acceptance.”
Chapman said he hopes those relationships inspire people to change the way they live.
“People will find other ways to help each other throughout the year,” Chapman said. “This is changing Clarksville and the way we see our neighbors.”
At the 2012 Christmas Eve Celebration, 600 people volunteered to assist in creating a comfortable environment for the 750 guests.
“Both the volunteers and guests say it was a life-changing experience. They take a risk to change their Christmas traditions, and I have not heard anyone say they regretted it,” Chapman said.
This year’s Warm Souls Christmas Eve Celebration is open to the first 1,000 guests. More information regarding the celebration is available through 1-855-WRM-SOUL or warmsouls.wix.com/warmsoulschristmas
“Our hope from the beginning was that it would bring Clarksville together in a way that breaks down barriers,” Chapman explained. “We can be a catalyst of hope for this city.”