Hey there, y’all! It’s Ron here, coming to you fresh off an eventful day filled with a whole lot of heart and a sprinkle of chaos. I’m sitting here, still a bit sweaty and greasy from our latest “Serve Our City” event. And let me tell you, today was a testament to community, resilience, and the blessings we too often take for granted.
We just came through Hurricane Helena—think of her as a mad girlfriend who threw a massive tantrum. Seriously, I’ve lived in South Carolina for most of my 56 years, and I’ve never seen damage like this. My West Coast friends might be used to earthquakes, but they have no clue what a hurricane can do. Roads washed out, power lines snapped like twigs, and entire neighborhoods turned into disaster zones—it’s been a wild ride.
Our church mobilized over 1,200 of our congregants today to head into some of the hardest-hit areas. Typically, we’ve focused on refurbishing parks or similar projects, but with the hurricane causing havoc, we shifted gears. Many folks were left without power, food, and clean water; it didn’t feel right just to sit around when we knew there was so much need out there.
Thanks to partnerships with local businesses like Costco and Walmart, we were able to fill the church with pallets of water, diapers, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Our volunteers rolled up their sleeves, and we cranked out 500 hamburgers and hot dogs like a well-oiled machine. And let me tell you, watching the joy on people’s faces as they came in for a hot meal, a kind word, or just a place to cool off—it was the kind of satisfying work that puts everything into perspective.
Even amidst the mess and the tears, I found so much hope. I spoke to a woman who lost six family members in a short span, and she hadn’t been back to church since the storm. She was worried about her faith, and we just sat there, hand in hand, praying. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Being there for each other in the toughest of times.
Walking through the chaos, I was reminded of how we started this church nearly 40 years ago, going into the community with nothing but a grill and a heart full of love. Back then, we didn’t have fancy models or systems in place; we just showed up and connected with people. And today looked a lot like that. We had friends from our neighborhood come to help serve, and they walked away saying how rewarding it was to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
But here’s the truth: running a large ministry comes with its challenges. There’s a risk that you can lose sight of whose needs you’re serving while buried in meetings and administration. I refuse to let that happen. I need to stay rooted in the community, understanding their struggles and ensuring that our church remains a beacon of hope and compassion.
So, if you’re in a place where you can help—whether it’s through donations or volunteering in your community—please consider it. Remember, when we put ourselves in the pathway of human need, it keeps us humble and reminds us that we’re all just trying to make it through life together. Until next time, don’t forget to keep touching those needs. Because when you do, it will touch you in the most extraordinary ways.
With love and gratitude,
Ron