The global pandemic put a damper on the 2020 event, but now it’s time once again for First Baptist Church’s I LOVE INDIA garage sale.

In February 2020, a April 3-4 sale date set the plan in motion for that year’s sale and collections began March 2. But by March 16, they had to pause because of COVID-19.

“Over the past year and a half, we have continued to pray about a good time to be able to have this sale again,” Carrie Sones said. “We are thrilled to announce that the I LOVE INDIA GARAGE SALE will be held Nov. 12-13.”

First Baptist Church has been hosting the garage sale since 2012. “The women’s ministry had a great desire to increase our giving to the Agape Outreach Mission in India, so [they] thought maybe a garage sale would help.” Sones said. “Little did we know that this would become an annual event at our church.”

The interest in India stems from the arrival some years ago of Sam and Jezy Varghese to Brookhaven. Sam was in seminary here in the United States, and that’s when the Indian couple joined First Baptist Church of Brookhaven.

Shortly afterward, they began the Agape Outreach Mission that now serves more than 50 pastors in India. The couple spends half of their year in India and the other half in Mississippi raising funds for the mission.

There are 2,605 different population groups in India. Of those groups, 2,330 (95.6% of their total population) are unreached with the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the gospel, Sones said. “Sam and Jezy Varghese are a small part of spreading the gospel to these unreached people groups,” she added. “What an amazing opportunity Brookhaven has to partner with this couple in their mission!”

Sones said the garage sale benefits Brookhaven residents by providing wonderful used items at “fabulous” prices. “The sale this year is just in time to shop for Christmas presents for all your friends and loved ones,” she said “This is the largest garage sale in the area and items will be covering our entire gym floor as well as the surrounding rooms. We will have everything you can think of – infant items, clothes, luggage and purses, sports items and even a boutique with high-end [manufacturers products]. Oh, it’s just enormous!”

The sale is usually scheduled for the springtime, so this sale will include many items that couldn’t be offered last spring. “There is an item for everyone on your list,” Sones added. “Shop for yourself or others and help spread the gospel in India at the same time!”

Entrance to the sale is priced as to timing. The first chance at shopping is Friday, Nov 12, with a 4 p.m. admission price of $20, 5 p.m. at $10 admission and 6-8 p.m. at $5 admission. On Saturday, Nov. 13, admission is free from 6:30-11 a.m.