The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has honored a Benton Harbor pastor for his efforts to help those in need during the Christmas blizzard. A power outage left many Benton Harbor residents in the cold and dark in subzero temperatures, and Pastor Kenneth Eric Robinson with the Second Baptist Church opened his doors to host a warming center at the church. Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough read from a resolution Thursday commending Robinson.
“From 8 p.m. on the 23rd until about 4 a.m. Christmas Eve, Pastor Robinson provided warmth, comfort, and meals to the approximately 35 people who were able to be transported to the church until power was restored,” Yarbrough said.
Board Chair Mac Elliott said Pastor Robinson answered the call when help was needed.
“The doors of your church swung open almost immediately and provided comfort and shelter and much needed warmth to people who were at significant risk because of what Mother Nature brought on us that night, and we all owe you a debt of gratitude, sir.”
Yarbrough read a quote from Mother Teresa, saying “Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” She said Pastor Robinson and his church represent the epitome of community service.
