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Wow what an outreach! Saturday, Nov. 21st 300 volunteers from our church went down to Patrick Henry Academy in downtown St. Louis, to give the school some much needed improvements as well as bless the families with Thanksgiving dinners and new school uniforms. What stuck out to me was the numerous dynamics that were taking place during this wonderful outreach

First we had our selfless volunteers. I was sharing with some people on Sunday how proud I was of seeing our men involved with outreaches like these. Usually, as I was growing up, the women were the leaders of the outreaches and functions at church. They were the ones naturally geared towards relationship and made most of “church” happen. But when you see men participating with the church, that is a sign of a healthy church. I was so proud of our men- they had dirt on their clothes, sweat on their back, yet smiles from ear to ear that expressed the joy that only comes from knowing you are being used by God. Thanks to our staff and volunteers who helped that day and the businesses who gave so generously to this endeavor.

Next we had the students, families, and staff of Patrick Henry. They were so blessed to know that there was people who loved them, cared about them, and better yet, showed it. A new park in the back, indoor greenhouses, new sound systems, thanksgiving boxes, school uniforms, more than just charity this was an investment in the future of these precious children. I was talking to one gentleman, who was a former DEA agent that patrolled that same area, about the people who lived on the street. He said to me ” Pastor, there are two different kinds of people laying on the street: those who want you to reach down and lift them up and those who want to stay laying down, who don’t really want help, just a handout.” And I told him that even though we already help those that are on the street, I love to reach the children before they get to that point- to get them in the school and strongly impact their lives so that they stay off of the street and fulfill their purpose. Touch them while they are young. Let them have an experience with God. Let them see the love of Christ in action. Let them see the church as it should be, actually living out the Gospel.

As I watched the people come to receive their school uniforms. It was interesting to see that how when we did it the first year they were a little skeptical- they thought “ok what do these people want from of us? Is this for real? These people are too nice.” This time , after being in partnership with the school for a year, I saw them open up. One person even told me that COTR is their family!

ThanksgivingBack was amazing, it was overwhelming. I can’t even think of the words to describe what I saw taking place in the people. It’s something special when we get outside the four walls and realize that we aren’t saved by good works, but we are saved to do good works.