Members of Melrose Avenue Church of Christ want to give their many blessings back to the community. The church, an interracial congregation at 126 Melrose Ave., is participating in the Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority’s Junior Achievement program as a way to reach out to Natchez youth.

Church members also hope to buy a house next to the church building to use for youth programs and as temporary lodging for people in need.

&uot;We’re hoping God just blesses us so we can bless them,&uot; said Brother Michael Hoggatt Sr.

Right now the church is waiting to see if it will receive the grant funds to purchase the property.

But James L. Spencer, an active member of the church, said he thinks plans will work out.

&uot;We think the good Lord’s going to bless us one way or another with the grant or without the grant,&uot; Spencer said. &uot;(The house) will help us do the work we need to do in the community.&uot;

Spencer is the director of the church’s Benevolence committee and involved with its Junior Achievement program.

The church will have eight members volunteering with Junior Achievement.

Starting next week, the members will each spend five hours working with students at Morgantown Elementary School and Natchez Middle School over the next 30 days.

&uot;We’re going to talk to the kids,&uot; Spencer said. &uot;We’re just going to try telling them the right way to go. We’re trying to set an example for them.&uot;

By doing so, the volunteers hope to steer youth away from drugs and gang activity.

&uot;I believe you don’t need gangs. You need Jesus Christ,&uot; Spencer said. &uot;Dedicate your life to Christ and you’ll be all you want to be.&uot;

The volunteers will spend the first day in the classroom introducing themselves to the kids. Afterwards they talk about a variety of topics, Spencer said.

&uot;We’re just going to try to talk about life in general,&uot; Spencer said. &uot;I think it would be better for more people to get involved with the kids.

&uot;I think we would have a better community.&uot;