Grand Rapids Church, Pastor ,Step up to Help Flint
Volunteers in Flint help unload donated waterGrand Rapids pastor and national gospel recording artist Marvin Sapp wanted to do something more.The leader and co-founder of Grand Rapids Lighthouse Full Life Center on Madison Ave SE was already scheduled to speak at a February revival at a church in Flint. But when the city's plight with dangerous lead levels in its water supply came to light, Sapp knew something else needed doing.
"We can't sit idly by and watch this.....and not do what we can to help," he said.
And so Sapp's congregation raised funds and sent to Flint a semi-trailer of 17,000 bottles of water which were distributed by The Church of the Harvest on Flint's northwest side (truck and delivery were donated by Corrigan Transportation).
"I'm not just taking the word, but I'm taking water, too," Sapp said before his visit during an interview on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show.
BRINGING HELP
"I think it's important to bring something tangible," added Sapp, who was consecrated last year as a Bishop in Global United Fellowship.
Investigations into responsibility and necessary replacement of tainted pipelines will take time, Sapp noted. "I'm thankful it's finally coming to the forefront; and because we now have this national look, hopefully it can affect some real change. But until that happens, they need water."
Besides his church's efforts, Sapp has pledged to match any financial donations made via his website (www.marvinsapp.com) for an unspecified period of time.
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Sapp is best known across the country for his gospel music artistry, which includes his latest album "You Shall Live." The CD was released last June and contains the hit gospel song "Yes, You Can," which is still in the top ten on the Billboard gospel chart.
Sapp and his late wife MaLinda co-founded Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in 2003. It worships at its sanctuary on Madison Ave. SE but also has a campus on Burton St. SE.
