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The Drug-Free Community of Dallas County awarded a new honor to Gospel Tabernacle Church in Christ and its Pastor John Grayson earlier this month by awarding him with the first-ever Hope Angel Award.

This award is different from the Hope Builder award according to Jarria Martin in that the Builder award is for businesses that do not sell drugs or alcohol but this Hope Angel award is something bigger.

“Normally the Hope Builder award is our highest honor that is given to the business that is completely drug-free and that is voted on by the community,” Martin said. “We really wanted to honor the entities in Selma that are instilling hope on a daily basis even outside of keeping kids drug-free.”

When it was decided by the DFCDC to give this new award it was a no-brainer to them the first award should go to Grayson and his church for the work they are doing to help fight the war against drugs.

“Gospel Tabernacle they do it all,” Martin said. “They have programs where they feed hundreds of people with hundreds of boxes of food every week. They have a GED program that you can go through. They have a movie theater that way the kids can have something fun to do on the weekends and throughout the week. They are just a church that is really doing God’s work. They are dealing hope to our community. We knew it was time we made a new award.” 

In a Facebook post by Lamarkaus Snow, Snow said that Grayson embodies what the meaning of the Hope Angel award means and he deserves this award.

“This man of God takes care of us in Selma. A father figure for me and so many around this town,” Snow said. “Pastor Grayson God has a place for you on this earth and in Heaven. You plant so many seeds around this Town until it’s unbelievable. I never see you give up, I never see you lose a battle or fight and you stay determined day in and day out. You are my (HERO )Pastor Grayson. My Mentor and one of The men I respect the most in this City. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and Selma. You fight and rock for this City! Jerria Martin & Drug-Free Communities of Dallas County continue to shine light and praise on all that break their neck for Selma.”

The award will be given out every year from now on to a person or entity that goes above and beyond to fight against drugs. Martin hopes that after awarding Grayson the first award more people will step up and push even more to help fight against drugs in Dallas County to have a chance to win the award next year.

“I’m hoping that this story encourages more churches and more people to do good work,” Martin said. “Maybe they will go after the Hope Angel award next year.