Then Jesus called
for the children and said to the disciples, "Let the children come to me.
Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these
children.
Let me tell you a story.
Well, it might not be much of a story to you, but it makes a load of
difference to me.
I was listening to a giant
in the faith talk about kids needing supplies as they go back to school.
This giant is Bill Barker
who leads Appalachian Regional Ministries
and works with the people of the Appalachian area here in the USA. When
Bill speaks, I hear a man who goes into the trenches where people are
hurting. Many have been left behind when
industry packed up and moved on. That is one reason I love to serve in
West Virginia. This was about 10 years ago that Bill was speaking at the
church I was pastor of as he talked about filling shoeboxes with school
supplies for kids.
It wasn't until 6 years
ago that I was reminded in big ways of the impact that those shoe boxes had on
the children Bill talked about. We began our back2school outreach.
A year later we found Samaritan's Feet
where my friend Ron Pegram
was working. Now we are able to help thousands of kids each year with all
kinds of items so they can be more successful in school.
I believe that God offers
2nd chances. He comes back to people and gives to them, I mean us, the
grace and mercy that we don't deserve. Isn't that awesome! That is
the character of our Savior and Lord. He loves people. But one of
the things that many of us can't live with is kids hurting. That is why
we stepped up to serve the children.
We are literally offering
2nd chances ... for kids. Some of these children wouldn't have the shoes,
backpacks and school supplies, haircuts or clothes we are able to give.
We are helping these kids step up. I believe that not only are we helping
kids whose families are in tough spots, but we are handing out the most
precious commodity that any of us can give or get. And that is HOPE.
HOPE that only God can give.
God says I love you when
others say I hate you. God says you are able and strong when others say
you can't and you are weak. God says I have plans for your greatness
while others say you will amount to nothing. As we look into the eyes and
hearts of these kids, we will see lives change by the grace of God. By
offering 2nd chances for kids some of these children will get the boost to move
forward and the hope that might just carry them into heaven and into greatness
before they get there.
Little Nick walked in our
door 4 years ago. At first he wouldn't look up and he wouldn't talk to
me. I tried my hardest. I talked and kidded with him. Even
tried to tickle him. But after one of our volunteers took off his old
shoes, washed his feet and put on his brand new shoes that something changed
(every student will have their feet washed). Then Nick got his brand new
backpack, and he lit up like a Christmas tree. This young boy went from
looking down to looking up. He went from a huge frown to a big ol'
smile. I've seen Nick around town since
then, and this kid is awesome.
My prayer is that Saturday,
August 3rd we will be able to offer more hope than ever before. My prayer
is that more students will accept a 2nd chance in their lives. My prayer
is as we offer hope in Jesus that some of these students will see the light and
love of God like never before. God is able. God is in the business
of offering 2nd chances ... for kids, and for us grownups too. God is good!
And
this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves
us...
Your help is still needed. Today
and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday) our partner churches will be at local stores
collecting school supplies (FRIDAY --- WalMart, Big Lots and Dollar Tree in
Martinsville and WalMart in Danville; SATURDAY --- the same as Saturday plus
WalMart in Stuart, Family Dollar in Bassett and more). Students can still be registered on Saturday
from 9am until noon at all 6 churches (Fairway in Bassett, CrossPoint at
Bassett High School, The Community Fellowship in Collinsville, Mercy Crossing
in Martinsville, Mt. Calvary in Axton and First Pentecostal Holiness in
Danville). Volunteer training will be on
Thursday, August 1st at all 6 churches, and the big event is
Saturday, August 3rd. You and your help
would be a big blessing!
Note: much of this blog post first
appeared in 2011 but some has been changed to reflect this year’s back2school
outreach.
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