Celebrate Christmas At Johnson Hagood Stadium

Most of us have great memories of spending Christmas Day with our families, exchanging gifts, enjoying wonderful meals, singing carols and expressing joy for the occasion. Many of us have never had an opportunity to spread joy to those outside of our families on Christmas.
Without Walls Ministry Pastor and West Ashley resident Gordon Cashwell wanted to give people an opportunity to serve others on Christmas. Inspired by Mathew 25:35, he set out to organize a Christmas celebration at Johnson Hagood Stadium in 2012.
Matthew 25:35 expresses God’s desire for us to live as servants, feed the hungry, clothe the cold, and enjoy fellowship with those who are alone. When The Citadel granted the use of the football stadium, Cashwell set the Happy Birthday For Jesus celebration in motion.
Dec. 25, 2015 will mark the fourth celebration at Johnson Hagood. There were nearly 2,000 volunteers who helped organize the 2014 event. As people wait for the gates to open, a live band plays Christmas music and volunteers serve coffee and doughnuts.
As people enter the stadium, food is served as a choir sings. Former TV actress Chris Weatherhead from Folly Beach coordinates a live nativity scene. People enjoy food and fellowship together.
When the celebration comes to an end, gifts are provided to those who need them. Shoeboxes filled with toys and personal supplies are given to children. Winter clothes and blankets are given to people of all ages. Boxes filled with groceries are available for pickup. Hundreds of children receive bicycles. Smiles are plentiful!
Plans are already in the works to organize the fourth annual Birthday Party For Jesus celebration. Planning sessions take place on the second Tuesday of each month (Jun. 9 next month) at noon at Hello Deli, 2409 Mall Dr. in North Charleston. Whether or not you can attend the event on Christmas Day, your input is valued, and there are many ways to help.
Since Rev. Cashwell conceived the idea in 2012, many individuals, businesses, civic groups and churches have supported the effort. An organization called Warm Feet, Happy Hearts (www.WarmFeetHappyHearts.org) donates socks. Caterers prepare food. This year, baked goods donations are being sought. New and used bicycle donations are needed. Medical and dental screening will be provided.
Three West Ashley churches supported the Happy Birthday For Jesus celebration last year – Ashley River Baptist Church, Blessed Sacrement, and the Palmetto Community Church. They provided volunteers, prepared food, packed up gift boxes and donated children’s bicycles. All churches are welcomed to participate in any way they can.
Several West Ashley businesses provided services, gifts or contributions at last year’s event, including Ride Bikes on St. Andrews Boulevard, Krispy Kreme on Savannah Highway, Shadowmoss Golf Club, and Lee Edwards Entertainment. Business sponsors have their company name and logo displayed on the community sponsor board and event website.
Individuals are encouraged to volunteer, donate winter clothes, blankets, bicycles, and gift boxes and certificates. In addition to volunteering at the football stadium, people are needed to provide transportation to pick up people at checkpoints throughout the area and return them after the event.
If you would like an opportunity to spread joy on Christmas Day in any way you can, please visit www.BirthdayParty4Jesus.org. If you have questions for Rev. Gordon Cashwell, send him an e-mail at
info@WithoutWallsMinistry.org.
Spreading joy to others is a wonderful thing.
 
John Steinberger is the former chairman of the Charleston County Republican Party, a leading Fair Tax advocate, and a West Ashley resident. He can be reached at John.steinberger@scfairtax.org.