Posts Tagged ‘Benevolence’

pumped…

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Back in the day, ‘pumped’ was the word. It meant excited, into it, ecstatic, over the top. I have no idea what the word is today. Whatever it is…I’m “pumped.” We have worked incredibly hard to develop and communicate our vision for Life Change. We’ve concentrated on Encounter and believe our worship is making it possible for people to meet God. We’ve poured ourselves into Connect and we are now seeing dozens of new people engage in study of God’s word with God’s people.

However, every time we’ve talked about our strategy (Encounter, Connect, Serve), we’ve had to say, “Serve is still under development.” Well, it’s here. It’s not fully developed. We have a lot yet to learn and sharpen. But we’re unveiling this Sunday. And I’m pumped.

You now have a place to go to find out what you can do in serving here, in the congregation. We have a place to let you know of ministry opportunities in the community (those we sponsor as well as others). There is a place where you can become familiar with our world outreach (this month we’re featuring our international ministries).  There is an “item of the month” which we believe will overflow in generosity.

The gifts of our staff have come together to produce a great place to see what God can use us to do. My dream is for all of us to become like Jesus (Life Change). He was a servant (our goal and our method); so we will serve. This is a major tool for accomplishing that.  Come by…look…ask questions…get involved.

Then, put some word with it…  I’m going to stick with ‘pumped’ until one of you gives me a newer, more accurate word.

7500 Cases

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

I was overwhelmed yesterday when I learned there are 7500 cases of poverty in Adams County.  That translates to over 10,000 people. I was in a meeting with a couple dozen community folks discussing how to create healthy families.  We’re looking at a model of support that creates sustainable communities or circles of support. The idea is exciting, the obstacles overwhelming, the need engulfing, but the hope–clear!

Admittedly, this is the first model I’ve seen where faith-based groups (local churches, Salvation Army, Horizons, Carenet Pregnancy Center, Birthright of Quincy, et al) and social service agencies (A-OK, DCFS, Two Rivers, et al) can begin working together. It complicated and complex. But it stirs hope that something can be done to help people develop healthy families and lives.

I don’t yet know what it means for us. But I do know it creates optimism that our love of people can become something tangible, something active. I know it requires a huge commitment on the part of those who feel God calling them to invest in the lives of those who are hurting. I know it will take a lot out of us.  But I also know we have no choice. We have to get involved.

Keep listening–there’s surely more to come. Keep praying–we need God’s guidance. Keep open–God may be calling you to invest. This may be the Serve outlet that will change us and change our community.

Opportunity

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

So many opportunities. So much need. So many gifts.

The sermon text this week says, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…” As we have tried to faithfully meet the needs of others, we’ve discovered how many more opportunities exist for us.  In another text, Luke says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.”  We’ve clearly been given much. It’s our privilege (and responsibility) to give in return.

The Emergency Kits are underway.  We’ve delivered over a dozen and more are being prepared. We still need some nicer bags for the teen girls. We need acne cream and we need diaper ointment. A need is being met.

Today I learned of another need. Homebound adults need help setting up their medicines.  It means going to a person’s home and helping them get a couple of weeks of meds lined out.  It takes about an hour. It builds friendships and provides company.  If you are interested contact Marty @ m.venvertloh@cospq.org.

And that’s just two…of the many…waiting for Christians who want to serve.

Spent

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

I just corresponded with Ashleigh Leenerts in Kenya. The money we sent to help distribute food is spent. And that’s a good thing. In December, in January and now in February people have food. I’ll pass along the statistics as soon as Ashleigh has them, but for now, rejoice that God was able to use us to help AfricaHope help African people eat one more day.  And, they heard about Jesus!!

Spent–the idea is to be used up. It’s a great image of the Christian in service to God. We are “used up” for His glory. What we have is His. What we are able to do is His. What we long for is His. When we look back, we recognize that true life is being spent for Jesus.

What are you spending your life on? What gets your energy? Your passion? Your attention? Your affection? Is it worth it?