This blog is not only about orphan care or the latest update about my writing. In fact, the main purpose is to encourage believers to live a missional lifestyle. That is a lifestyle that is sent and spent. A non-profit that I have the privilege to serve as a board member, Partners in Hope Lake Travis, is a great opportunity to live such a lifestyle.
Partners in Hope Lake Travis is a young organization–2 years old– that helps families in the Lake Travis, Texas community. The point of connection is a family’s home or property that is in need of repair. Each month Partners in Hope selects one family that is in need.
Volunteers from all across the community, of all ages and backgrounds, and a range of skill level, gather on usually the 3rd Saturday of the month. Yards mowed, gardens cleaned, fences repaired, clutter removed, exterior walls replaced, and roofs fixed.
Another cool thing about the volunteers is that they are from different churches and from the business community. The common bond? Helping others in need. And, many families helped return the favor by volunteering their time at later projects.
What is Partners in Hope all about? The executive director, Matt Peacock, found that many families in the Lake Travis community fell through the cracks. They owned their property, but they did not have enough income or support to keep it in good shape. For many, their structures were close to unlivable. Matt also discovered that people desired to help others in their own community.
Here are four principles that Partners in Hope is built upon:
- Improve physical needs of the family’s dwelling–safe and stable
- Connect the family to the faith community for ongoing relationship
- Connect them with needed resources: counseling, health, financial/employment, social, etc.
- Identify ways for the family to give to the community
This past Saturday, January 19th, over 25 volunteers showed up to help a single mother of two young children that live in the Hudson Bend area. Here are some pictures from the project:
Question for you: How are you living a missional lifestyle? Do you live a life sent and spent or do you just talk about it?
0 comments