What if the church?

One of the biggest beefs I had with our previous regular place of worship was that finding service opportunities outside the church was rather hard to do. We could sign up to feed the homeless, but only on the fifth Saturday of the months that have five Saturdays in them, and even then - you had to sign up months in advance, or you missed your chance and had to get on the waiting list. There were always opportunities to bring things and/or money inside the church - they were very good about donating food and diapers and such to the pantry. And, there were even opportunities to serve by donating food and necessary items (such as a sewing kit) to people who live on the other side of the planet. Which is great. I believe God's people are everywhere, and I believe it is partly my responsibility to minister to even those who are on the other side of the planet (as well as those who live down the street from us) when I can.

But, I had - for a very long time - been craving the opportunity to dive into local mission-like service. Something that I could sign up for a few weeks in advance, plan on, and go do. Something that not only gives me the chance to help show other people about the love of Christ, but also that helps people just survive. I feel like inner city missions are extremely important to my life as an active, faithful Christian.

So, I was COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY excited to learn about the What if the Church campaign through the church we're now attending. This idea that volunteers like myself are invited into local organizations to serve on a Saturday, and that we'd be among "friends" in the city who are serving alongside us, is awesome. And today? Was the "serve day." And what's even cooler, is that our church and the entire "What if the Church" campaign has made it abundantly clear that today is not just a day to go, do, and leave... but a day to go, do, explore, and learn more about when and where we can go and DO again in the future.

Today is finally May 30th - a day that husby and I have anticipated and planned for. We've planned on serving today for a few weeks, and I prepared for this day through prayer. We took the girls to grandmas house last night, knowing that they would not fair well with a full day of chores in KCK. We wanted to be able to focus and give a full effort. We wanted to serve and be a blessing.

And?

It was amazing to be in the inner city of Kansas City, KS serving at a location known as the Urban Scholastic Center today. We helped rake/fluff/spread mulch on their playground, we helped paint some rooms, we met people from all different areas of the Kansas City metro area, we heard the pastor there talk about the different ministries they provide for the city, we ate lunch together, we sweat together, we laughed together, and we grew tired and weary together. And it was a fabulous day. It was just what I needed, everything I craved. And I can't wait to do it again!