National

Great Commission Ministries Serves 1K Plates At Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More than a thousand hot meals were packaged and served at Great Commission Ministries’ annual Thanksgiving luncheon, an event that has fed the community for nearly four decades.

Published

2 months ago

November 27, 2025

Denielle Miller

In a moment captured on site, Denielle Miller reflected on the heart of the initiative:
“More than a thousand plates packaged and distributed here for Thanksgiving at Great Commission Ministries, but it’s more than just feeding people; it’s bringing together a community.”

This year’s luncheon also honored Bishop Walter S. Hanchell, who has guided the ministry for 38 years and built one of the country’s strongest outreach networks for the homeless, hungry, and vulnerable.

As volunteers surprised him with the recognition, plates of ham, turkey, rice, and desserts were served to families, seniors, and those in need. But behind the warm meals lies an enormous effort, and its own challenges.

Executive Director Dr. Tamalia Gibson says the ministry relies heavily on donations to keep these initiatives alive.
“Money is always a challenge unfortunately, but we believe that this time it will not happen anymore,” she said with optimism.

This year’s Thanksgiving feast was supported by private citizens and major corporate donors including Baha Mar, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies, and SMG Construction.

SMG’s Human Resource Manager Denisha Butler, participating for her second year, says supporting the ministry has a ripple effect through the community.
“It’s strengthening tremendously, just seeing the amount of people who are so grateful and being touched on a daily basis,” she said.

Dr. Gibson also highlighted the role of the wider church community. Evangelistic Temple Senior Pastor Keno Smith and his wife, Minister Kiya Smith, emphasized that churches must work together if they hope to truly serve the people.
“We are all one body… we may have different focuses or missions, but at the end of the day, we serve one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” Pastor Smith said. “Jesus brought disciples from all walks of life to exist in community, and to do the work as one.”

As Great Commission Ministries marks 38 years of service, leaders say the mission remains the same: meet the needs of the people, strengthen families, and ensure no one is left forgotten, especially during the holidays.