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an example of working together


Romans 15:6 (NLT)
Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are about to experience something that I could only dream of a few years ago.  Three churches are coming together to serve our community in a way that will make a huge difference for those in need.  I am excited, and this is awesome.

Several years ago I heard about a ministry helping students in poor areas as they go back to school.  When The Community Fellowship was started, this ministry became part of our DNA.  The first year we served over 150 students.  Three years later we served 1,000 students, and this year we are preparing to serve around 2,000 students.

This has been one of the most exciting, thrilling events and more than I can wrap my head around.  Students will receive brand new shoes and socks, new backpacks and school supplies, gently used clothes and will be offered a haircut.  The sweetest part is when each student has their feet washed by one of our volunteers.  Watching this process and then seeing one of the volunteers pray with a student is soooo good.  Wow doesn’t even explain it.

Something is pressing us forward this year.  It is not just our church.  Three churches have come together.  One is Baptist, another is a Church of God and the other is a Pentecostal Holiness church.  But we are joining forces to make a difference in our community.  Our church are in the middle of the county.  One is on the county line all the way to our east.  The other is toward the west side of the county.  Every church is offering the same things and the same process.  Each church will register kids this Saturday and serve them on August 4th.

A big statement is being made.  The kingdom of God is not described by our church alone or by it’s name.  The kingdom of God is about Jesus.  The kingdom of God is not about us doing our own thing and staying out of each other’s way.  The kingdom of God is about working together to bring glory to God.  The kingdom of God is not about one church being better or more important than another.  The kingdom of God is seen and expressed best when we work together.  My prayer has been and answer is an example of working together for back2school 2012.

Last evening I sat in the back of the room with some leaders from one of the other churches and with one of our men, and we shared how awesome it is and how excited we are to work together.  I believe this gives God glory.  This will be a picture, an example to our community that God is for people and not against them. 

When we work together, God gets the glory.  When we work together, we help more people.  When we work together, we learn from and encourage each other.  When we work together, heaven comes to earth through the expression of God’s love seen in His kid’s lives.  This is awesome.  I can’t wait to see how God uses this partnership.  There is more to come…

1 Corinthians 3:8 (NLT)
The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.

Philippians 2:2 (NLT)
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Want to help us?  It costs $18 per student.  You can adopt one or many children by giving and supporting this event.  Volunteers are needed.  Clothes can be donated and are needed (we need more kids clothes, especially boys clothes).  Consider giving a gift to help us serve these children.  Click HERE or mail your check to back2school TCF, PO Box 388, Collinsville, VA 24078.  Watch our video HERE.  Thank you for your help!

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