Joe Wright, pastor at Two Rivers Fellowship, Waverly, stands with Lee Aldridge, husband of the late Jean Aldridge, and Penny Chastain, former member at TRF and now at Maple Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Dickson, where her husband Parks is the pastor.
WAVERLY — Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Franklin Graham’s Samaritans Purse, recently honored the leadership and contributions of Tennessee Baptist Jean Aldridge.
Aldridge, who passed away in early October, was a charter member of Three Rivers Fellowship in Waverly. For 13 years, she led members to fill shoeboxes for children in need as part of OCC.
Aldridge was first introduced to Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Waverly, where she was deeply involved in teaching missions to children.
After helping start Three Rivers Fellowship, Aldridge continued to support missions endeavors such as Mission Dignity, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and more.
Aldridge passed away at her home in early October but her church continued to support the mission of OCC. This year, the church created more than 100 shoeboxes stuffed with pencils, crayons, coloring books, toys and personal care items.
At home, Aldridge had already begun her own stack of 40 boxes to be filled as well, which her family completed and added to the church total.
“We are so grateful for the leadership of Mrs. Jean and all she did to help our church, children in our community and those throughout the world hear the gospel message,” said pastor Joe Wright. “And we’re honored today to carry on this ministry for the Lord in memory of Mrs. Jean.”
Since the church began in 2011, members have purchased items year round for the shoeboxes. Hundreds of boxes have been sent. B&R
