Sinking down roots

After several weeks of deliberating over places to live, two friends and I just signed a lease to move into a duplex in Northeast Minneapolis.  I am excited to move into a neighborhood where I already know several families.  My roommates and I hope this will provide new opportunities to share Christ with neighbors and show them hospitality.  I also look forward to forming deeper roots in Northeast.

One of the realities of our world today is that, compared to previous centuries, people do not stay rooted in the same place very long.  Even if we do, we often lose focus on pouring into our communities and giving back to them.  Today I read an article by Chuck Colson on this topic.  He speaks of Dutch Reformed communities in Michigan who, unlike most of us, have sunk their roots deep. 

It's a pleasant concept, but I didn't think much of its importance until I read this paragraph:

"This Reformation-influenced vision continues, which is why Ottawa County was so successful when, a few years ago, then-Governor John Engler challenged Michigan counties to get jobs for all able-bodied welfare recipients. Ottawa County asked its 250 churches to help; 60 signed up. Within a year, the welfare rolls were emptied." 

 I guess when we care about our community and plan to stay we naturally invest in it.  I hope this will become more true of me as the months and years go on.  To quote Colson in closing:

C. S. Lewis, who lived in the same Oxford house most of his adult life, put it well: As Christians, we can't love the whole world. But we should remember that God has placed us in a specific community at a particular time. We're called to love those around us. Loving them means serving them—and in doing so, we become the best of citizens.

Mr. Stick Man's Dilemma

Hello Mr. Stick Man!

Hello Alyssa!

Why are you sitting there with such a puzzled thought bubble?

Well, Alyssa, I've been hearing about how God commands us to care for the poor and the disadvantaged.  I've also been hearing about the plight of America's inner cities, and I've heard a little bit about what Living Hope is doing.  I want to help out somehow, but I just can't figure out what I could do.

Well, Mr. Stick Man, I know one way.  Go bowling.


Huh?


Go bowling.

Wait, like on my Wii?

No.  Actually get out of your house and go bowling.  It will be fun!


Umm...I like bowling, but how will that make a difference?

Participate in Living Hope's upcoming fundraiser, the Soul Bowl!  Here's how it works: You get together a team of friends/family and go bowling with us in Arden Hills on April 16th.  You could invite your college friends and your little brother Sticko.  Everyone on your team will raise money between now and April 16th with the fundraising tools provided by Living Hope.  

But how will I raise money?



Talk to people in your church, relatives, co-workers, and friends.  Explain that you're trying to raise $200 for this great organization that brings hope to the kids of Minneapolis.  Maybe your aunt Sally Sue will give you $10, and maybe your friend JoJo at church will pledge 5 cents per pin. 



Imagine the possibilities...

Then you go bowling, tally up your score, and let your donors know how you did.  They joyfully send their gifts to Living Hope, and everyone is happy.  You're happy, JoJo and Sally Sue are happy, and the families of Northeast Minneapolis get to continue coming and hearing about the love of God in Jesus!

Wow, that sounds great! 



Yeah, and it can really make a difference.  Imagine if each bowler raises $200 in this way. Now imagine if there are 5 bowlers on each team. That's $1000. Imagine if there are 20 teams. That's $20,000 going directly to Living Hope Ministries, to help us continue and expand our ministry to the children and families in Northeast Minneapolis.

Wow, when you put it that way, I realize I can actually make a difference.  But Alyssa, I have a secret...

What's that Mr. Stick Man?

I'm really bad at bowling.  REALLY BAD.  I don't exactly have arm muscles, you know.

That's ok!  Everyone is guaranteed a minimum score of 100 per game, even if you don't knock down that many pins.  And if you decide not to bowl, you can still donate to sponsor the event.

Oh, that's good.  But what about my cousin Freddie who lives out of town? 

Well, if he wants to set up a bowling event in his town, we can help him with that too!

Wow.  There are so many ways to get involved.  How can I sign up?

Go to http://www.livinghopempls.org/soulbowlc295.php and fill in your information.  There you will find all the info you need to get started on fundraising.

Cool.  Are you going to be there, Alyssa?

Absolutely!  I hope to see you there too!