"What can I do to help?"
Drew didn’t know what to do or how he could help, but he did have an overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit directing him to take care of her. He immediately turned his truck around to seek her out. Unfortunately, she had gone on her way by the time he returned to the corner where she was standing. Drew searched for her asking if anyone knew her or where he could find her. He never found that young person, but he committed in his heart to do whatever he could to seek out those less fortunate in the community and give them the reassurance that they had not been forgotten, that they were children of God and that God did care for them.
Drew’s “burning bush experience” that day was a divine appointment; the young girl, an angel sent to test his commitment to serving God. He soon envisioned an event to bring God into the lives of those lost souls in the community, but it had to be more than just another church service. He envisioned serving the needs of the community with a meal, food to take home, haircuts, clothing, health and dental screening, a place for kids to romp and enjoy their childhood, and most importantly a time of fellowship, worship and prayer with Christian believers.
First, he’d have to find a location. There were several vacant lots along the corridor that would work; God would have to intervene. He would have to get a cadre of volunteers committed to making it work; God would have to intervene. He would have to make time in his busy schedule; God would have to intervene. He would have to get others to donate the resources; God would have to intervene.
Drew persevered. He overcame one obstacle after another; God did intervene. When the local police bristled at the idea of welcoming these disadvantaged people to an event in their honor, he met with them and explained how God was in control and they would have to accept the fact that it was going to happen.
When the property owner (who was Muslim) learned that the people were being exposed to Christian prayer, Christian fellowship, and Christian music, he tried to renege on the contract allowing the use of his property; God did intervene.
When volunteers were needed, God intervened and sent an overabundance of people committed to believing in Drew’s vision to reach the community.
The event has grown to include not only the annual celebration for the community, but also a time of fellowship and a meal at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and gifts for children who would otherwise not be celebrating the joy of Christmas.
Is there a cost to getting all this accomplished? Yes, not only the hours invested by Christian believers but the cost of making it happen several times a year. Have you ever asked yourself: