News 12 at 11, December 4, 2007

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- It's a time to remember and celebrate the life of one-year-old Jordan and three-year-old Shakayla Hawes. Rev. Cindy Jones said the Hawes are not members of Whole Life Ministries but the family has visited the church several times.

"Anyone that knows anything about us at Whole Life, were all about the city and changing the city by the glory of God and how could we close our doors to such a tragedy that has touched the hearts of everybody in this city," Rev. Cindy Jones said.

So many people were touched that many in the community came together to raise money for the funeral. Thousands of dollars raised at Kenny's Master Kutz and from a memorial fund set up at Georgia Bank and Trust.

"I don't think there's anyone that hasn't been touched by this incident. And of course we want to do and reach out and do anything we possibly can at this time of need with this family."

Rev. Jones said they are praying for the Hawes family and everyone who's been touched by this tragedy.

"Especially me being a children's pastor. It hits home you know with any child. God loves children and that's his heart. And so our prayers just go out and we have been lifting them up on a daily basis."

She said one of the greatest things Senior Pastor Dr. Sandra Kennedy preaches about is you have to celebrate the life without dwelling on the tragedy.

"The greatest thing is to celebrate the lives of those children. How short they were... one and three-years-old...I believe, that we have to celebrate the lives of the joy they brought in and focusing on those positive and those happy times. That's the best thing to do is to keep their attention on the good times," Rev. Jones said.

The funeral is open to the public. The viewing will start at 11:00 Wednesday morning. The funeral will start at 1:00 in the Whole Life Ministries chapel. The chapel holds 400 people. The church has also set up an overflow area located in the next room. Which will allow 300 people to listen and watch the funeral service on a big screen.