04/01/2009: "Gray Haired Teenagers Playing in the Rain"

Our Community H.U.G. Cookout had been canceled because of rain. We decided to find another way to demonstrate the love of Christ on this soggy day. We were five grown men, four of us middle aged and graying running around in the rain like a bunch of teenagers.

The first shopper was a huge leap outside of our comfort zone. Sure, some shoppers were leery of us, and some had to much pride to be walked by a stranger to their car or to the building. But many more were receptive than we first anticipated.

As we walked we told them who we were and why we were there "to demonstrate in a small way that Christ cares about them". Those who were receptive were invited to our Easter services. Those with children were invited to our Eggstravaganza.

Surprisingly, we lasted almost two hours before the manager came out and asked us to leave. As we left, one of the shoppers shouted from the entrance to the store "We appreciate y'all doing this!"

That afternoon a message was posted on the church Facebook wall. Watch the above video to see what it read.

We will definitely do this same project again. It was fun for all of the volunteers and all of those we walked know that Christ cares about them. Only seeds were planted, but you never know what mighty oak they may spout into.

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