Hey I just got back from helping to move in GVSU students. As part of our new college ministry we decided it would be good to give the students a hand and make a connection by helping them out on moving day. We met a few who were very suspicious and very private, and did not want any help, or any water. We also met a few that were eager, and thankful for the help.
One family told us we were a blessing to them. They were not looking forward to moving all those boxes. You could see the relief on their faces when we arrived. It was awesome to see the dad so grateful. We shared with them about our church and what we were about. They were thrilled to know a church was doing something like this. It was unbelieveable to them. It made me wonder what is wrong with the church, if selfless help is considered unbelieveable.
Another mom was happy to see us as well. She said God must have sent you here. “Well”, I said, “that’s pretty much it”. It was a lot of fun and a real momentum boost to head into the season. This is going to be an interesting ministry. We truly have no idea where this could take us and our church. I am overwhelmed by it as much as those who saw us coming to help.
Matt Vandebunte of the Grand Rapids Press was there to interview us today. (I had a fresh haircut…thanks lovey). They took pictures of us carrying boxes. They definitely fall into the camp of take lots of pictures and choose one good one. He must have snapped 100’s of pictures of al of us moving boxes. I think I took more out of helping those two special families and a few others than the interview, but it went well.
The students are in a big world. They are confronted with a lot of life choices. How they are going to be when they are alone. One mom said she would put the church flyer up on the fridge. Her daughter gave her a look like, “yeah right…until you leave”. We will have a lot of walls to break down with these students and their home church experiences, or non-church experiences. But I think when they get to know us, they will find good guys that just love Christ. Authenticity.
Anyway, look for the article about us August 25th in Grand Rapids Press. I’ll be the one in the black shirt : )
