Over the next two weeks we are going to dedicate Thursday Leadership Lesson to focus in on the Convoy of Hope event that is happening on September 6th. This special two part series will spotlight the event as an example of how we can bind together to serve our city and those in need.
It is my hope that the story of this effort will inspire our leaders to be more diligent in serving and continue to help those whom they are leading, develop a lifestyle of humility and service as well.
The Event
Praying like it depends on God and working like it depends on us. For those of you who have been around NCC for a while, you have heard Pastor Mark say that once, twice, three hundred times. All kidding aside, there could not be a better description of the Convoy of Hope event that is happening in just over one week.
The six-month plus planning for this great event on September 6, has had a mixture of both back breaking work (aka lots of phone calls) and divine intervention. The landing of RFK stadium as the venue was one of the first among many things that God granted us, and there has been no looking back since.
The Team
Convoy of Hope would never happen without a team. Everything from Pastor Joel’s diligent event coordination to the long list of day of volunteers, at the end of the day this event will truly be a team effort. So many tasks have been delegated and countless teams of individuals are covering numerous areas. The body metaphor that Paul gives us in his First Letter to the Corinthians has truly been displayed during the time leading up to the event. People have come from all different areas to utilize their God-given talents and abilities to help move along this enormous task. Through it all, from our email exchanges to our team meetings, God has been getting the glory.
The CHURCH
The most amazing testimony to God’s hand in this event is the number of churches that have come together to work, plan, coordinate, volunteer, pray and give. It seems as if it should be a given that churches in a city would work together to meet the needs of the poor. However, as many have seen over time, tragically, this has not always been the case.
Convoy DC however, has been a wonderful example of what can happen when Christ-followers drop their congregational, denominational and racial stripes and unite together behind the cause of serving the poor. Reconciliation and peace begins to thrive. People forget their differences and delight in their allegiance to Christ. They stop pointing at what is wrong with the other and begin to think how they can strategically work together to be useful and efficient to the cause.
The Testimony
The church coming together to serve the poor and create long lasting connections with individuals and the local church is a wonderful testimony to the Christian faith. In a world that is suspect to a church outreach event, Convoy of Hope should quench some of the criticism that prevails. The basis behind the day is to help bring hope to individuals. The biggest evangelistic tool that will be used is respect. That is why we have and will continue to push the ‘Guest of Honor Principle’ on our volunteers. This is not a pity party. This is not a handout or feeding. This event is about respecting individuals, serving them in whatever capacity we are able, and providing hope for a next step in their lives. We will of course offer a time of prayer for those who would like, and we are not hiding the fact that the church is behind this event. However, at no point will one be able to stand back and observe any kind of manipulation, coercion or any other negative stereotype that is out there. This event is about people who are trying to follow Christ and are compelled to respond to the needs of their city. That’s the bottom line.
The Fall Out
We cannot even envision or imagine all that God is going to continue to do through Convoy. We know that people are going to have legitimate needs met on the day of the event, whether it be a health screening, a created and finished resume, or a mere support to their budget by getting a few extra groceries for the week. We also know that people are going to find meaningful connections with people and churches in the areas where they live. Connections made between congregations and people will hopefully foster new relationships and paths of spiritual growth and discipleship.
Finally, it is our hope that this event is a catalyst for the church to continue to work together in DC. A city that has a history of racial tension, we believe that God is doing a new work of reconciliation. The church in DC is that place that God can and will work to bring healing and restoration to places that have long been abandoned. What an exciting time to be here, following Christ, and serving in His great name.
The best part is- it’s not too late to get involved in Convoy. If you are interested in getting involved and volunteering for the day of, that is Saturday, September 6th, visit the Convoy DC website and sign up!
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