02/09/2009: "I was Told You Would Pray for Me..."

"I was told you would pray for me" said the 85 year old man who had hobbled down the road with his cane to visit our Toby Springs Community H.U.G. Cookout. "We can handle that", one of the volunteers told the old man before introducing him to one of our volunteers more than happy to pray on his behalf.

"I just got out of prison Monday and am trying to get my life together" said the friendly man who signed up for our CBC Ride Share program. He had given his life to the Lord while in prison and was now looking for direction.

"I have never seen anything like this" said one guest amazed that anyone would care enough to treat them to such an event.

"We have been colleting clothes and goods from vacant apartments and looking for someone to give them to. After seeing what you are doing, we know you are the ones we would like to donate them to" said a landlord of several of the buildings on the street.

"We want to tell you how much we appreciate you doing this for us" said the two little boys right before they hugged one of our volunteers.

These are only a few the stories our volunteers heard during the cookout, the teller never understanding how much they were touching our hearts when we were there to touch theirs.

Guests were given the simple message "We want to show you how much Jesus loves you. Everything we are offering today is not from us, instead it was made possible by God."

Almost 30 bibles were given away and about as many Christian children books telling the story of Jesus or Moses, or some detailing some biblical event. Some guests even received bibles on CD. Dozens of Henry County Community Resource Directories were handed out as well as information concerning Community Bible Church and Celebrate Recovery.

People were prayed over and loved on as children played with their new toys, tossed the Frisbees and Nerf footballs around, made cross necklaces, and selected needed school supplies. Adults and children alike sorted through our offering of used clothes picking out outfits which they felt would make them or their loved ones feel good about themselves.

We came prepared with 90 hot dogs and 90 hamburgers, but turn-out was so strong that we ran out before the event was over. God blessed us.

It is impossible to name all of those who volunteered for the event and who provided those items necessary to pull off such an event. This was not simply an Out-Team effort. Other small groups and individuals joined in to help make the event a success. We can not thank them individually, but we pray that they each receive God's blessing for their valiant efforts in sharing the love of Christ.

Today was not about the volunteers, nor was it about the guests. I wasn't even about the event. It was all about God and demonstrating His love within our community. We pray that our efforts today glorified His name and helped lead others to Christ.

More pictures of this and other Small Group projects can be viewed in our Picture Gallery.

Follow-up: Sunday morning Community Bible Church welcomed five new guests. One of the attendees of the H.U.G. Cookout and four of her grandchildren.

"Better Together" written and performed by Glen Hall and Neal Cooper. (We edited the music track to make it a little longer.)