It was Easter in January as candy fell from the sky outside Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday.

Pounds and pounds of candy were dropped from a helicopter onto a field adjacent to the church, located at 4011 Memorial Blvd. as part of a community outreach.

“We are wanting to let the community know God loves them and cares about them and so do we,” the Rev. Bill Brazell, pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, said.

Prior to the candy drop, children had a chance to get their face painted or hair spray painted various colors, tumble around in a bounce house, play games and watch “The Balloon Man,” Jimmy Hunt, create swords and dogs and more with balloons.

— Jaidon Harrison, 5, left, waits for a balloon from The Balloon Man, Jimmy Hunt, right, during Easter in January Candy Drop at Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday.
Mary Meaux/The News

Brazell said the church presents different community events throughout the year. Saturday’s event was in partnership with 5Nineteen Church, 4095 Bristol Drive in Beaumont.

“They are helping us to develop a multi-ethnic approach to ministry,” Brazell said, adding that by connecting to the community they are connecting to God.

Makaila Barajas, 8, gets her face painted by Jane Chapman during Easter in January Candy Drop at Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday.
Mary Meaux/The News

Aaron Harrison, 14, of Port Arthur, was on hand at the event.

“We are trying to be different from other churches,” Harrison said. “And we are gathering people and bringing them to Christ; this is just one event we have. The only way to get people to Christ is through people.”

Brooklyn Brown, 3, searches for candy during Easter in January Candy Drop at Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday.
Mary Meaux/The News

Brenda Torres, of Port Arthur, brought along her three children ages 2, 6 and 8. Daughter Makaila Barajas, 8, stopped to get a flower painted on her face by June Chapman as her brothers played nearby.

Torres said her school-aged children received an invite to the event and have ben excited ever since.

Ava Porter, left, and friend Laila Kaczara, both age 5, pose with the balloon hearts during Easter in January Candy Drop at Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday.
Mary Meaux/The News

Gerald Harris, of Port Arthur, was on the scene with daughters Ragan Harris and Rihanna Harris. Harris said he’d been to other events at the church and enjoyed it.

When time came for the candy drop children were lined up and put in order by age. Church leaders kept the kids entertained with games such as Simon Says until the helicopter came into view.

The ‘copter flew over the crowd a few times before hovering over the empty field and dropping the candy. When all was safe the children raced to the center to grab their candy.

For more information on Memorial Baptist Church, log on to www.mbcpa.org

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