‘Team Jesus’ prepares to share blessings in the Hub City
She and her husband, Shane Braneff, are spearheading the event, which involves dozens of local churches and businesses.
“My husband is a pastor at GLO Church,” Leicee said on Monday. “We want to be a city of hope and connect all of Crestview together. We want to show the community it’s supported by all the churches, so we’re calling the event ‘Team Jesus.’”
Free Thanksgiving meals and other free food, free clothes, shoes, toys and household items, free haircuts, and live gospel music from members of local churches are some of the highlights of the Team Jesus — ThanksGIVING Outreach event. It’s scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at Ohana Heating & Air, 1278 S. Ferdon Blvd. (State Road 85).
About a year ago, the Braneff’s opened GLO Church at their home at 145 Wedgewood Lane in the northwest Crestview area. “GLO” stands for “God Loves Ohana,” and “Ohana” represents family, Leicee said.
“We opened up our house for right now until the Lord blesses us with a building” for church services, she said.
In February 2022, Shane began the family’s Ohana Heating & Air business in the couple’s home. The business opened at its current location on S.R. 85 in the spring of 2023.
“We’ve been blessed at Ohana, and we want to be a blessing to the community,” Leicee said regarding the Team Jesus event.
“My heart is to give back to the community,” Shane said. “We started GLO Church because we believe in putting God first and to love your neighbor as you love yourself. ‘Ohana’ stands for family, and I believe in strong families: when families are kept together, they can be so powerful for God.
“The community is where my heart is. I have influence on other businesses. Funds are limited, but if we come together with one mind and in unity, we can give back. God has blessed me. I can’t be a blessing without him blessing me.”
As of Monday, a total of about 35 churches and businesses have pledged to participate in the Team Jesus —ThanksGIVING Outreach event, Leicee said.
The free food and other free items at the event will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The event also will include free raffle giveaways, a prayer and encouragement tent, a baptismal tank for anyone who wants to be baptized, and a Kid Zone with inflatables, games and face painting.
Leicee encourages event attendees to not be shy about taking free clothes, shoes, toys and household items offered at the event.
“Times are tough, and prices (at stores) are ridiculous,” she said. “Grab a bag and go shopping for your kids or for yourself. We want to let people know that God loves them.”
Local businesses, churches, or individuals interested in sponsoring or donating to the event or volunteering at it can send an email to glochurch850@gmail.com.
For event updates, follow Ohana Heating & Air and GLO Church on Facebook.