Article By Chanelle Rogers // EEW Magazine // Philanthropy

An event planned and organized by award-winning ministry founder, Dianna Hobbs, began with praise and worship and ended with taking the gospel to the streets through action.

The 42-year-old first lady of City Church Buffalo, with the help of mission-minded nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and volunteers, served the needs of hundreds in and around the Western New York area during her regional charity day, Thursday, Sep. 26, 2019.

Those who gathered to participate called it a “beautiful moment of unity and love in action.”

Following worship, corporate sponsors like Target, Lowes, Macy’s and a network of small businesses, made it possible for Hobbs and her team of helpers to offer the homeless, refugees, former addicts, domestic abuse survivors, single mothers, and chronically ill residents, trucks of food, water, clothing, household items, gift certificates, and other needful services.

There were also everyday citizens that heard about the grassroots effort and filled their own cars with supplies to help out.

“This is the beauty of unity,” said Denise Anderson, a City Church volunteer organizer.

Though the nonprofit leader, who faced dire medical challenges just weeks ago, was unable to be onsite, City Church members, colleagues, and other leaders, rallied around the charity day Hobbs began planning in 2018.

“Dianna was touched and overjoyed to see the vision carry on even though she was unable to be there,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

As previously reported by EEW Magazine Online, the Christian philanthropist and EEW’s founder, suffered a mini stroke and multiple seizures that landed her in ICU in early August and is on extended hiatus through 2020.

“Although God has restored Dianna’s health and there is nothing physically wrong with her, she needs time to regroup and gather herself after something so traumatic,” said the spokesperson. “But her heart and passion is to do ministry that impacts the community in tangible ways. We are thankful for every single person that helped her make this possible.”

Young and old were on-hand, sharing the message of the gospel with those in and around the community. Some people gave their hearts to Jesus outside while volunteers led them over to local leaders to help connect them to a ministry network.

“It’s nice to see good people of faith coming into my community,” said one resident named Yolanda from Buffalo’s east side who signed up for followup care.

Billed “A Day of Giving Back,” one of the volunteers and community sponsors, Bob Maverick, as he was unloading trucks of goods, said, “I am honored to be a part of this! Dianna is serious about being the hands and feet of Jesus.”

City Church Buffalo is one of the fastest-growing urban ministries in the city. It is not confined to one location but is spread around the region through microsites known as cell ministries as well as campus ministries.

“Through efforts like this, Dianna’s ministry-focused nature truly shines—but Christ shines brightest through her,” said the rep.