A service project I remember doing with my youth group was work camp. For five straight days I was up BEFORE the sun meeting with other kids, dividing into our team groups and going into rundown neighborhoods where we spent the mornings and half the afternoons scrapping and repainting family's houses. In the evening we went home to shower and then met up again at another church for activities and social time. I loved every minute of it, even drenched in sweat. Each group would average two to three houses that were completely repainted and the families that we served were just amazed teenagers would be willing to give up a week of their summer to help people they didn't even know. It was a good feeling showing the love of Christ.
Today I was able to serve my community along side my church family and the feelings I had serving when I was a teenager came flooding back to me. Our church organizes a 'Back to School Roundup' event to give away backpacks filled with all the school supplies a student could need ranging from elementary kids to middle school students. Volunteers also give free haircuts, check for lice, do finger print ID cards for children, have bounce houses and games, and provide lunch. It is a amazing experience to see unfold and I am grateful to be a part of it.
Even though I haven't been out of the country on a mission trip I am able to bring the mission right to the community I live in, to the people I come in contact with daily. The people that showed up today thought it was all about the free event and getting backpacks, school supplies and a new haircut. I know that we are planting seeds inside the hearts of the children and parents we served. God was working through me today opening my eyes to all the possibilities HE can bring. I may not see any of those people again, but that doesn't mean I didn't make an impact. By showing up today and by listening, smiling, encouraging and complimenting I put what was needed into their heart. I saw my other church family members doing the same and we worked together to bring the message that Christ cares for us regardless of who we are, what we wear or where we live. We are ONE under him. I will never be able to know who all was touched and had a open heart to learn more about God. Even if the seeds I planted today do not grow for many more years it is worth it. One of those children might be a future youth minister, missionary, preacher, elder, children's minister and best yet a child of God.
Thank you God for allowing our church the ability to hold and facilitate something like today. I love seeing you in action and being around others who are willing to give up a Saturday to help someone else who needs it. Thank you for showing me the importance of planting seeds, even small ones and what you can do with those.
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5 comments:
Impressed..! I also promised to buy a back to school outfit for a single mom’s daughter in our church.
That is so great! Good for you for showing your kids what servant hearts we should have. I think that is so important especially today. Of all the things we teach our children I know this is one of the most important and what better way to teach them then for them to see you serving. WONDERFUL!!
I can't believe I never went to Work Camp. I second what Jessica said!
I must be hormonal, I got a little teary eyed reading this. Thank you for being an example to me.
Great post. I love Back to School round up and was so sad that I couldn't be there this year. It is truly amazing to see the children and families that come through our building each year.
Seeds were not just planted in the people who walked through our church, but also in your own children. By you and Brian going there and participating, you are showing your boys how important it is to help others.
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