Because Someone Cared

"I believe that one of the most important things to learn in life is that you can make a difference in your community no matter who you are or where you live. I have seen so many good deeds - people helped - lives improved - because someone cared."
                                                                                                   ~ Rosalynn Carter

I just can't stop thinking about all that has happened in just the last four months and much more since the birth of Atlee Community Church just 17 years ago this week. Because people care our community is different! It's not perfect and we have a lot more we can do. But everyday, every week one more life improves because people care.
This past Sunday we heard the the amazing story of Michelle and her children. How they have gone from being homeless just eight months ago to now helping the homeless. Her daughter who just recently celebrated her 10th Birthday cared enough to ask that her friends bring items for the homeless in place of presents for her. No doubt those items will improve the life of someone.
I must admit that church was not always my favorite place to go. It always seemed to be old, outdated and not connected to the real world. But now days I am convinced more than ever that the church really is the hope of the world. I have seen the local church time and time again come in and fix and clean up what other organizations have left unfinished.
Right now my church is exploring what it can do to help eliminate homelessness in Richmond. Three areas of need have been identified: affordable housing, employment, and prevention. While these may seem big and impossible what we have discovered is that it is very doable - if only someone is willing to care enough to make a difference. My good friend Nelson Parker may just be that guy! To hear more of his story click on his name or come to Atlee Community Church this Sunday.

This past Sunday we saw how through a chain of caring people week after week lives are being improved. There is an equation that sums it all up: Open Hearts + Responsive Hearts = Improved Lives.

In the Bible Jesus was quoted as saying "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full."

When people open their hearts and respond to the work of God in them amazing things happen - not only in them but through them as well.

To see and hear examples of what I am talking about click on the pictures below.

Sunday Service at Atlee

Michelle's story from Richmondmom.com