A crowd gathered at the Swainsboro Fire Headquarters last Monday evening in support of Pastor Christine Peebles as she was presented with the OurTown Hero Award by Swainsboro Mayor Charles Schwabe.
A resident of Swainsboro since she was just 5 years old, Pastor Peebles was raised by her grandmother and grandfather, who was a Baptist minister.
“I feel that God put me in Swainsboro at the age of 5 for this time we are living in now,” Peebles said.
She entered pulpit in 1981, first leading tent revivals and street services before becoming the pastor of Victory Temple Ministry of Reconciliation. This April will mark her 23rd year as pastor of Victory Temple.
Peebles has worked to build what she considers a ministry of helping people.
“I have a love of people and reach out anywhere and anytime I see need,” she said.
One of the ways she has fulfilled her mission of helping people is through her coordination of two community food giveaways in partnership with Crider Foods. As told by Steve Jarrard, Crider Foods Plant Manager, and Peebles’ son Titus, Crider Foods President, Billy Crider, donated 40,000 pounds of chicken to be distributed within the community last May.
Jarrard enlisted Pastor Peebles to organize distribution, which she accomplished by coordinating the involvement of 98 churches from the community. After the success of the May event, Crider Foods partnered with Peebles again in November for a second giveaway. This time she purchased additional items, such as paper products, cooking oils, soap, and other home necessities to be distributed along with the chicken.
Mayor Schwabe commented, “Pastor Peebles has provided inspiration, hope, and guidance for countless people in the community.”
In addition to serving the local community, Peebles’ impact has reached far beyond Swainsboro and Emanuel County. From her support of numerous individuals and families through illness and turmoil, to providing necessities for others, to sharing her message around the world through her four published books, Pastor Peebles has touched the lives of many.
In accepting the OurTown Hero Award, Peebles noted the importance of helping those in need by reciting Matthew 25:35-40.
The City of Swainsboro’s OurTown Hero Award is presented those who have made a positive impact on the Swainsboro community. Nomination forms for the OurTown Hero award are available at Swainsboro City Hall and online at www.cityofswainsboro.org.
