The Warren Baptist Association (WBA) will host an appreciation luncheon for first responders at First Baptist Church on Cherry St. The luncheon is free for all first responders and will take place Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“If you’re a first responder, you’re invited,” said the Rev. Ron Burch, director and association strategist for the WBA. The WBA consists of 16 local Southern Baptist Convention churches. As needs are identified, Burch coordinates communication with the pastors of these churches, who in turn find help from their congregations. 

Burch said flyers have been distributed to the sheriff’s office, police and fire departments to invite all first responders.

“We’ll be serving pulled pork and sides,” Burch said. Other churches within the Association will provide desserts for the luncheon.

The idea to honor first responders originated following the bus accident that took place Aug. 31 near Bovina, when a bus carrying travelers to Mexico crashed. Seven people died and more than 30 were injured. The WBA was able to assist first responders in caring for the displaced travelers.

Immediately following the accident, Burch responded to the tragedy by praying for and consoling victims and Merit Health River Region Hospital staff. He handed out small crosses, a universal sign of Christian faith. 

“There was a lot of emotion,” he said. “We wanted to minister to them as best as we could. And then, to encourage the staff, the people who were caring for them, we prayed for them.”

A few days later, members of the WBA churches gathered and assembled care packages of fruits and snacks, which were distributed to frontline workers and victims of the crash who remained in Vicksburg.

Burch said the WBA strives to fulfill four aspects of the Great Commission. They involve the immediate community (referred to as Jerusalem), outlying communities (Judea), Mississippi (Samaria) and the rest of the world.

In addition to the August bus accident, WBA provided assistance in Rolling Fork following the tornado that devastated the community in March 2023.

After responding to the most recent tragedy, WBA realized the profound effect these types of events have on first responders. They wanted to do something to show the first responders their appreciation. WBA decided on hosting a free luncheon for all first responders.

“We want the community to know we appreciate the first responders,” Burch said.

First Baptist Church is located at 1607 Cherry St. in Vicksburg. Any questions regarding the luncheon may be directed to the WBA by calling 601-638-2142.