Outreach News 12/24/2005
On Friday night, before Christmas, a group from the church gathered and loaded the big truck with about 2,400 Beanie Babies, one ton of Christmas candy, a pallet of games, about 7,000 sets of trains, and other toys and went up to Bowen Homes, on old Bank Head Highway, one of the roughest parts of Atlanta. We distributed these things from the back of the truck and literally were mobbed by children and adults alike. No matter what we did to try to organize these folks to receive these gifts they just acted as though they wouldn't get anything unless they fought for it. Repeated reassurances that there was enough on the truck for the entire community just went unheeded. I thought about recent events in New Orleans and what it might be like in the end times, when resources grow as short as patience. When I read about how Christ told some not to tell others about the gifts he gave them while on his earthly ministry, I contemplate the reason, this was certainly an example of his understanding of human nature.
We left with still lots to give out on the truck, the risk of staying to help those in need was too great. Instead of giving up, the group decided we would stopped at every church we could on the way home and leave portions of what was left on the church steps. Imagine the intrigue when they awoke to find all the candy and toys on their steps the next day. What would they think, who would they think delivered this stuff? Surely to God went the glory.
We stopped at one church, it was late on Friday night, about 9:00 pm and we found them practicing for their Christmas program. They were so appreciative, and helped to unload. This small poor church was only about five blocks away from Bowen Homes and what a difference in the folks we served there. What a blessing to be found at church, about the father's business. The group of teens and the directors were so thankful for the gifts, so orderly, and so peaceful.
I'm glad for churches, churches of all kinds, of all religious faiths, of all types of people. God has a great plan and his churches are a part of that plan. For its in the church that we truly become a part of His community, where our faith tells us that He will provide, to be patient, to care for others, to give as we would want to receive. My prayers go out for those living in Bowen Homes, that some how, perhaps just one would understand these random acts of kindness and might seek a better community in which to grow and come close to God, that he might bless them as he has blessed us.
Just my thoughts this Christmas as we end our outreach season. What a year it has been for our church, what blessings we have received. The blessing of being drawn together to serve and to be found giving. What might the next year bring?
Don Coffey
Outreach Coordinator
Harvest Point UMC
We left with still lots to give out on the truck, the risk of staying to help those in need was too great. Instead of giving up, the group decided we would stopped at every church we could on the way home and leave portions of what was left on the church steps. Imagine the intrigue when they awoke to find all the candy and toys on their steps the next day. What would they think, who would they think delivered this stuff? Surely to God went the glory.
We stopped at one church, it was late on Friday night, about 9:00 pm and we found them practicing for their Christmas program. They were so appreciative, and helped to unload. This small poor church was only about five blocks away from Bowen Homes and what a difference in the folks we served there. What a blessing to be found at church, about the father's business. The group of teens and the directors were so thankful for the gifts, so orderly, and so peaceful.
I'm glad for churches, churches of all kinds, of all religious faiths, of all types of people. God has a great plan and his churches are a part of that plan. For its in the church that we truly become a part of His community, where our faith tells us that He will provide, to be patient, to care for others, to give as we would want to receive. My prayers go out for those living in Bowen Homes, that some how, perhaps just one would understand these random acts of kindness and might seek a better community in which to grow and come close to God, that he might bless them as he has blessed us.
Just my thoughts this Christmas as we end our outreach season. What a year it has been for our church, what blessings we have received. The blessing of being drawn together to serve and to be found giving. What might the next year bring?
Don Coffey
Outreach Coordinator
Harvest Point UMC
posted by Harvest Point | 12:26 AM
