Free stuff for students

Pastor Brian Conyers — a young and vibrant speaker with a distinct twang that hints back to his home state of Virginia — and the Waterbury Mission have given out more than 250 school packages to local students as part of its Back to School Bash.

The tradition continues Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Rusty Parker Memorial Park in Waterbury.

From backpacks and lunchboxes to more specific supplies, such as graphing calculators, the care packages are absolutely free and illustrate the commitment of this Southern Baptist ministry.

“We only want to demonstrate God’s love by helping people,” says Conyers, 43. After opening its doors in 2012, the Waterbury Mission quickly set about integrating itself in both the religious and secular world.

Conyers is not your usual suspect when it comes to a man of the cloth. He is quick to point out that previous evangelical communities “didn’t get a foothold” in the Waterbury area, and understands the challenges that he was facing. According to a Gallup Poll conducted last year, only 22 percent of Vermont residents considered themselves “very religious,” ranking dead last in the country.

The pastor reiterated that his church’s mission is first and foremost about compassion and helping people. And that includes something everyone loves — free stuff.

“Going back to school is fun,” says Conyers.

Some of this fun includes a gift certificate to a local Waterbury restaurant, three bikes from Onion River Sports, an obstacle course, and what could be the highlight of the night — a 6:30 bicycle stunt show with Craig Wright from Cwtrials.

The gifts are all donated, and even winning does not require the usual raffle-buying process. “Raffle is not the right word. No money. More of a name in a hat,” Conyers says.

Other than the Back to School Bash, the Waterbury Mission is already fulfilling its adopted state’s mantra of community involvement. It hosts a Town Worker Appreciation Day, painted both the inside and outside of the Waterbury Recreation Center, and has been heavily involved with MOPS International, a group for preschool mothers that offers assists nonjudgmental, open-minded discussions about children, mentoring, and the place of family today.

With the world finally realizing that the issues women face are not just women’s issues, but human rights issues, open dialogue has the power to educate, express love and understanding and, as Conyers says, “allows them not to feel like they’re alone. It’s a place to get recharged and talk with other mentor moms.”

Although Conyers is busy with many projects, it’s easy to tell that the Back to School Bash holds a special place for him.

“This isn’t the only thing we do,” he said, “but this is ours.”