Salem Baptist Church Of Chicago Cashes In On 7-7-07 with Free Gas Giveaway for 777 Cars

Others use 7-7-7 for luck - Salem members use it for the Lord.

CHICAGO, July 3 -- As the nation prepares for the historical 7-7-07 date, which comes along once a century, Reverend Senator James T. Meeks of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and his members plan to give away free gas to 777 cars on Saturday, July 7, 2007 beginning at 7 a.m. at three locations: Shell (111th & Corliss), BP (111th and State) and Citgo (103rd and Wentworth). The first 259 cars at each location will receive $10 in free gas. Chicago continues to rank near the top of the highest gas prices in the country but individuals with the least are impacted the most.

As part of its Vision 2007 community outreach campaign, which kicked off on April 7, Salem's gas giveaway on July 7 marks the 14th week of the program. Vision 2007 will run seven additional weeks and was designed to move members beyond the four walls of the church to areas with the greatest need and really do the tough work of ministry. Members set aside Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. as their day of service where they provide free food, free clothes, free health screening/legal assistance in rotating areas within the church's 60628 zip code. Members also serve on 100 neighborhood blocks, in prisons, hospitals, nursing homes and shelters.

While there are numerous references to the number seven such as 7-7-7 as the slot machine jackpot, seven spots on a ladybug, the Seven Wonders of the World, the Biblical references are profound. God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. There are also seven deadly sins and seven virtues.

In addition to the gas giveaway, members are marking the week as an opportunity to win 7,000 souls to Christ.

About Salem Baptist Church of Chicago

Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of Reverend Senator James T. Meeks, is the largest African American church in Illinois with over 20,000 members and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. The church serves as a beacon of peace and hope for countless thousands in Chicago's Roseland community. With sincere compassion, genuine care and concern for people from all walks and backgrounds, Salem's faith propels its congregants into action. As a "Church Without Walls," Salem's primary's focus is to provide a spiritual, social and community outreach to serve and help others. For more information about Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, please visit http://www.sbcoc.org/ or call 773-371-2300. For more information about Vision 2007, please visit http://www.salemsvision.com/