22 December 2008

OUTREACH = Reaching Out

Casting Crowns has a song titled,
"If We Are the Body,"

that includes the following chorus:

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching?

Why aren't His hands healing?

Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the Body

Why aren't His feet going?

Why is His love not showing them there is a way?

There is a way.

As Christians -- members of the Body of Christ -- we should be striving to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone we meet.
After a weekend of amazing outreaches, I am proud to say that I belong to a body (church) that really tries to do just that. Here, in pictures, is a brief recap of the last 3 days:


Friday night -- Midnight Outreach
HPC Shuttle parked in front of a local strip club.


Just a few of the goodies donated by Healing Place Women which we put in the gift bags for the strippers: "Live the Dream" t-shirt, sunglasses, water bottle, bracelets, nail polish, earrings, & candy!


Decorating a strip club dressing room -- rose petals & pot pourri, cookies & cupcakes, bracelets & toys for their children: Just a part of our evening!


Written on the mirror in lipstick:
HEALING PLACE Loves You!!

Different club; same idea.


Saturday morning: Baton Rouge Dream Center
Christmas Outreach!
We had a huge turnout & it was so much fun!


Cookie decorating, face painting, spacewalks, & more!


Never heard the final count, but not long after this pic was taken, even the balcony was full!


BRDC Kids-In-Action getting ready to go onstage for a short Christmas program.
They were awesome!


"Sista Bling" holding a dance contest & giving away 26 bicycles!!!!


We have a winner!


Saturday night & Sunday morning:
HPC Highland Kids-In-Action doing their
Christmas program:
"Could It Be?"



Could it be there's more to Christmas, than presents under a tree?...

Followed by a great message by Pastor Dino titled, "Simple Christmas."
(check out his blog for more great pics!)

Natasha as Mrs. Santa Claus

And while the entire weekend was great fun, real work was also done: Families were helped, children were fed, hope was restored, & about 70 (SEVENTY!) decisions for Christ were made.
What an amazing testimony to our community!

2 comments:

The Maggio Family said...

great pics. i love the holiday season. i HAVE to remember why I'm doing everything I'm doing or i will get serious burn-out.

Lesley said...

Aweseome pictures!! I, too, feel so blessed to be part of a church who actually REACHES OUT and helps those in need.

THAT is what this season is all about...God's pure love for every single one of us.

Thank you Summer for the reminder!