Rows of merchandise-covered folding tables stand nose to nose in the gymnasium at First Baptist Church Brookhaven, and volunteers rush to unpack donations for the church’s garage sale that starts Friday.

The annual event helps raise money for global missions, and it is one of the largest rummage sales in Lincoln County. Carrie Sones, who helps coordinate the sale, said every dollar collected goes directly to Agape Outreach Ministries in India.

She said that India is in desperate need of humanitarian aid, and proceeds from the sale allow evangelists to effectively help the needy.

India is the second most populous country in the world, and it is home to more than 1.3 billion people — the vast majority of whom practice Hinduism.

The country is also relatively impoverished, with the average Indian earning less than $8,000 per year.

Agape supports over 50 pastors throughout India, and Sones said donations enable ministers to focus on public outreach.

“They’re seeing people come to Christ, but it takes somebody over there to get the word out,” she said.

FBC members have donated everything from large pieces of wooden furniture to miniature depression ware vases, and everything is priced to sell.

Sones said anyone hoping to catch the best deals can pay $20 for early admission, which starts at 4 p.m. Friday. A 5 p.m. entry will cost $10, and admittance from 6-8 p.m. will cost $5. Saturday admission is free. Hours Saturday are 6:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, call 601-833-5118.

“We get swarms of people coming in, especially Friday night,” she said.

With so much at stake, Sones and her team of volunteers are prayerful the sale will be an overwhelming success.

“We just want to spread the Gospel. That’s really our mission,” she said.