Most of my efforts at church this year have gone into the planning and promotion of our new women's ministry. We call ourselves, R.E.A.L Women, and one of our values states that "The REAL Women of New Life Church are committed to extending love to our community through charitable acts of service that support and promote the betterment of our local neighborhoods and community.
Today we put that value into action by assisting with a local non-profit homeless organization in their annual foot washing and shoe distribution event. I, along with a bunch of ladies from church, helped serve breakfast, distribute brand new shoes and then wash the feet of about 300 homeless men and women in our community. On top of that, the women in our church set up a table and gave manicures and hand massage to all the homeless ladies (and a few men!).
God reminds us in Acts 10 that our “prayers and gifts to the poor [are] as a memorial offering before God."
Yet, I'm sure that all of us women found more blessing just in the act of serving, than those 20 or more women who walked away with clean cuticles and pretty painted nails.
Most of the time I walk or drive by all the homeless people who are out and about in downtown Santa Barbara, and I don't take the time to consider each one as an individual--a creation of God--who has a life story just as important as my own. Today, I took time to sit across a table from Michelle, Amanda, Susan, and Dawn and listen to their stories. I took time to hear about their children and hear their plans for the future. My heart was moved with compassion, and I walked away today with a little better perspective on the unearned blessings I've received in my own life.
Our church even got a little publicity in the local paper!
Awash with joy: Volunteers wash the feet of Santa Barbara's homeless
"Many of the volunteers have built on past events and a group of them from New Life Church are now offering manicures. 'We wanted the ladies to leave feeling really special today,” Volunteer Amy Swanson said. Women (and the occasional daring man) get to pick out a nail polish color and Swanson and the other volunteers go to work with clippers, files, and brushes. Swanson said it’s a good reminder of how much a little bit of time and effort can matter to someone else. 'It doesn’t take a lot to help other people and make them feel like they’re important,' Swanson said. "
 |
| A line of homeless men and women, early in the morning, waiting to be served |
 |
| Delicious and Nutritious Breakfast |
 | ||
| We gave away boxes of expensive shoes. All donated by local businesses |
 |
| And we made 300 bag lunches |
 |
 |
| Even some men wanted their nails painted!! |
1 comments:
Inspiring! Our women's group is looking for an outreach event....I may steal this idea!
Post a Comment