Some cool stories to share

Some cool stories to share from what's going on in our RCC family. For those who aren't able to worship with us on a regular basis, let me give you some background information. As a part of our current worship series, As You Go, we have been talking about service, acts of love and denying ourselves in order to truly have the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5). Two weeks ago, we gave $5 to every person in attendance and challenged them to think of a creative way in which they could use that money to serve others. The purpose of these acts? Simply to love others and create relationships. Something we all believe Christ would be about.

Some of you haven't had the opportunity to put your plan into action yet while others just haven't had a chance to share yet. But I wanted to take a minute and tell you what some of our Ridgeview family is doing. This is for two reasons. First, to show you how God can use any act of love to touch people. Two, to challenge those who didn't get the $5 to think of ways you can think of yourself less and about others more. The world would be a better place, a more Christ-like reflection, if we did. Here are some of the great ideas enacted by our Ridgies:

• Some have chosen to simply bless others with their $5. One LIFE group has been actively involved in serving at a retirement home here in Franklin so some of their members gave their $5 to help with what they have been doing. Another gentleman bought $5 worth of groceries to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. Just like many other non-profits and charitable organizations, they are constantly in need of resources to perform their ministries.
• One lady in our church prayed for a long time about who she would bless. She even wrote a letter to go with her $5 committing to pray for whoever received it for the next year. Then, she went to one of our local parks, met a handicapped man while walking the sidewalk and asked him to receive her gift.
• A couple who has just started attending Ridgeview went out and purchased a copy of a powerful devotional book that had made an impact in their life. During a difficult season, it had renewed their strength and hope. They took this book and gave it to a co-worker of his who has just discovered that his five year old daughter has leukemia. Awesome!
• One family chose to make dinner for their neighbors. Another young lady has decided to challenge her neighbors to add $5 to hers and to come together to create a meal for their less fortunate friends that live around them.
• One family is using their money to buy popcorn. They are inviting the whole neighborhood to join them at their "home-made" ball park for a night of wiffle ball, free popcorn and time of fellowship to get to know each other.
• Another family used their money to buy lemonade and make ads for a garage sale they are having. They are inviting the neighborhood to come and participate. Half of the proceeds will go to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital for continuing research.

I think you get the idea. A small amount of money plus big dreams equals a huge impact where we live. It reminds me of the words of Christ when he said we were to be salt and light. When salt gets poured out (i.e. acts of service and love) it impacts everything it touches with more flavor.

Keep up the great work, Ridgies. God is using you to make a difference in the lives of those you come in contact with one heart at a time. I can't wait to hear more stories in the days ahead as you continue to follow Him in obedience.