by George Moxley
COMMISSIONED to Care
C
LARA HAD REACHED the end. bers in only 10 years. Other than the favor day evening to fill the pantry with left-
She was physically sick, there and power of the Holy Spirit, without hesi- over yard-sale items.
was no food in her house, her tation I say, “It is benevolent care.” • Grease, groom, and grub day: A day
lights were being turned off, and The harvest we are destined to reach for all single moms, widows, women
her hope was fading. Out of des- today appreciates a practical approach to with deployed or incarcerated husbands,
peration, she had to do what she had ministry. With the condition of our physically challenged individuals, and
never done before: ask for help. world, I believe it’s a mandate from God anyone over 60. Grease: The men of our
Clara first tried government agencies, to His church to meet needs we often take church top off all fluids, check the tires,
but to no avail—she was not qualified. for granted. Following are a few examples and check any mechanical problems in
She then turned to family, but for various of ministries that our church offers: vehicles. They also change the wiper
reasons, she received no help. She then • Food pantry: Over 400 people come blades. Groom: Our youth wash and vacu-
with humility and urgency turned to local each month needing something to eat. um the vehicles. Grub: The women of our
churches. That is where I had the privi- Our food is purchased from Second Har- church fellowship with each person
lege of meeting her. vest (www.feedingamerica.org) through love while the cars are being worked on.
I was walking out of the office wing offerings given by the congregation. They also serve lunch. We usually win
when she was coming in, and I noticed • Clothes pantry: We give away only about five families to the church per
she was stressed as she asked for the pas- quality, clean clothes. It’s easy on a Satur- year by doing this.
tor. She then told me her needs and how
we were the fifth church she had visited
that day. Our policy at Unity Church of
God is to turn no one away, especially
widows, elderly, and veterans. Clara was
both elderly and a widow; therefore, we
helped her with no reservations.
She began coming to church, received
Jesus as her Savior, was baptized in water,
received the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
and became a member of the Church of
God. Clara began to tithe, and God
turned things around for her. She received
an unexpected settlement and gave
$32,000 to begin a now-completed gym
and youth center at our church. To God
be the glory!
Stories like this happen when you
combine care with the Great Commission.
People really do not care how much you Cleaning cars is part of “Grease, Groom and Grub Day.”
know until they know how much you
care. Jesus himself combined care with the
Great Commission. Whether the need was
a healing, a meal, or even a resurrection,
He showed how much He cared. As 1
Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon
Him, for He cares for you” (NKJV).
God has blessed the Unity Church in a
great way, and I am often asked about our
growth from 60 to more than 1,000 mem-
12 EVANGEL • SEP 2009
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