That’s not a shock to most
of you. I really do like to talk. Now, there are times when I chose not to talk
and to be by myself, but those are not the majority of times. What I like to talk about are the things that
I am passionate about.
Last night was
an incredible opportunity to share with others one of my favorite
outreaches. That is the back2school outreach that takes place
each August. It began over 7 years ago
with a dream and a desire to make a difference in the lives of kids so they be
successful in their education.
Our local
community has a business trade show called Fast Track each year, and our team
of leaders from the churches that host our back2school
event asked that we be part of the trade show share the story and the impact
of this project. It really was awesome
to share with so many people what God has done in the lives of thousands of
students over that last 7 years.
Psalm 112:9 NLT
They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be
remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have
plenty and can share with you when you need
it. In this way, things will be equal.
The vision for
our back2school outreach was birthed
out of my friend Bill Barker shared about the need of students in Appalachia
and boxes of school supplies that were put together for them.
That pushed
forward into our first event where each student received school supplies. It grew into students getting a backpack
filled with school supplies. A few years
later I learned about an organization giving away shoes and washing the feet of
those who receive them. Now students who
register to be part of this event get gently used closed, a hair cut, a
backpack with school supplies, new shoes and socks and a team member washes the
student’s feet while talking with them about their hopes and dreams.
The stories of
those we serve and of those who serve are amazing. It is now many years after the project began,
there have been thousands of students served, and ahead of us are the greatest
years of all. Meeting needs. That’s what keeps me going. As we meet needs we win the right to share
Jesus with the people we serve.
Our outreach
has grown from helping a few people to helping many each month. I believe our biggest and our best outreach
projects are ahead of us. Would you
consider joining our back2school
outreach project? Go to www.goback2school.info or give us a
call at 276-565-8234 to learn how you can sponsor students or to volunteer to
be part of this exciting event. It will
take place on Saturday, August 2, 2014, and there are many more days and
happenings that will make this project a success. Thanks ahead of time for joining this winning
team!
Matthew 25:40 NLT
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the
truth, when you did it to one of
the least of these my brothers
and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
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