Living Proof Church named Organization of the Year for 2023
The Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce announced last week that Living Proof Church would receive the Organization of the Year award for 2023 due to their enthusiastic community support. "The point of LPC is to be Living Proof of God's love for the people of Groesbeck. Our mission is to serve God by serving others and Love God by Loving others. The people of LPC take this to heart and work hard to serve the people of this town and surrounding areas. As a pastor, I have to give all the credit for what we do to God and the hard-working people of LPC," said Pastor John Carabin in an interview.
"The Chamber had a lot of great nominations for Organization of the Year and after the board looked at them, 'Living Proof Church stood out as being one to be very community-oriented and welcoming. They are always willing to open their doors and their hearts for the community," Jennifer Paul, executive director of the Groesbeck Chamber, said, "It was clear that they have made a positive impact on their community and have created a safe and inclusive environment for all. Their commitment to serving others is remarkable and we are proud to recognize them as this year's recipient of the award."
Living Proof Church organizes various annual events to benefit the community, including a community Easter egg hunt with 15,000 Easter eggs they have hosted for 11 years and a school supply delivery initiative for those in need. In collaboration with the school district, 150 to 200 children receive backpacks filled with necessary supplies for the year, delivered to their homes. They have been performing this service for 10 years. The church also hosts a 9/11 service on the Sunday closest to the date, honoring first responders, active military, and veterans who receive an annual challenge coin. Following the service, a free brisket lunch is open to the public. They have hosted this service for 8 years.
Another community event is the fall festival, offering free games, train rides, bounce houses, trunk-or-treat, a cakewalk, hotdogs, popcorn, and more. This event has taken place for 7 years. Living Proof Church also organizes a Thanksgiving dinner for families in need, supported by the school district, providing 150 to 200 families with a turkey and all the side dishes for a complete Thanksgiving meal. This they have also done for 11 years.
During the Christmas season, the church collaborates with the school district to identify families in need. These families receive assistance, and each child in the family receives clothes, toys, and candy. Living Proof Church is a significant sponsor of PeeWee sports in Groesbeck, providing cash sponsorships, gear, and coaches, making a positive impact on the community.
During yearly freezes, the church also acts as a warming center, provides paper products for the district’s teacher’s lounges, and regularly gives baked goods, gifts, and snacks to local police, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and public work employees.
Their next initiative is opening an early education center in Groesbeck, accepting more than 80 children from infants to five years old. They plan to offer more than just a babysitting service, creating an affordable and highly educational experience to prepare children for grade school and beyond.
When asked about receiving the award, Carabin replied, "The people of LPC, as well as myself, are very honored by this award. It's the second time we have been recognized by the Chamber for our work in the community, and it lets us know that we are on the right track. We don't do the things we do for recognition; we do it to spread the love of Jesus Christ, but receiving this award is affirming and gives us the motivation to not only continue what we're doing but also to find new ways to serve our community."
Living Proof Church is located at 1207 East Navastoa, with services on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. Childcare, up to age 11, is available for both services.