In the Charlotte area, and at Elevation Church, we are blessed. If we’ve never done it before, the very idea of stepping out for the first time to mingle and serve among the poor scares us.
You are not alone if you are afraid. On this tenth day before the start of LOVE Week 2012, I want to offer you some encouragement from the word of God.
Daniel 10:19 says “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”
When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”
Daniel had seen a vision and set out fasting and praying about what he should do. He was after the heart of God to see God’s vision for his life and that of his people. An angel appears to him, he is terrified, and the angel tells him to “be strong.” If you are seeking God, and wanting to know his will for your life so that you may “Live a Better Story,” (our current sermon series) you’re in the right place. The word of God says if you are afraid of breaking old habits and replacing them with new ones for God’s glory, you should “be strong!”
In 10 days, we launch LOVE Week 2012. In its third year, LOVE Week is an audacious, active, unifying initiative to show the Charlotte area the love of Jesus through our service. Together with more than 40 churches, our goal is to serve 50,000 hours.
Here’s an example of a recent story from an Elevation University volunteer who was SO blessed to be a blessing in a stranger’s life. Elevation University volunteers will serve alongside the YMCA again on February 11, as we kick off LOVE Week.
from Kristi Bezy, Elevation University
“On January 14th and 15th, Elevation University had the opportunity to serve alongside the YMCA with the Room in the Inn outreach. Saturday night, 13 of our local neighbors who struggle with homelessness came to the Y for a place to stay. University volunteers helped serve dinner to the 13 individuals. A movie was shown and all had a warm place to sleep. I had the privilege of helping serve breakfast on Sunday morning. I was able to get to know these people and listen to them. After breakfast, five people decided to stay for the 9:30 worship experience. One of those people was Thomas. Thomas is a 25 year old man who has had a rough life. He told me about his parents dying of HIV when he was young and the amazing Aunt who raised him but isn’t able to help him anymore. He told me about sleeping on a friends couch but wanting to make it on his own. He explained his dreams and his goals to go back to college. Thomas was at an all time low but was working to get on his feet. After breakfast, we gave Thomas and the 4 others new bibles to take into the experience. I wrote in the front of his bible that God had huge plans for him. That morning Christine Caine preached an amazing sermon about how the best is yet to come and Thomas gave his life the Jesus! I’ll never forget the Tears in his eyes and the feeling I had when I saw him after the experience. Thomas gained new life that day. We met his physical needs so that God could meet his spiritual needs. I’m so thankful that I was able to be apart of his one day! It changed me forever!”
