Helping Those in Need

by Greg Lilly

As people plan their vacations and summer plans, thoughts of lounging around the pool and picnicking with friends start to push their way forward in our minds. The sad reality is there are people right here in our area that don’t have these options. Their thoughts are consumed with “Where is our next meal going to come from?” and “Where are we going to sleep?” In a county as wealthy as Loudoun, needs do exist. While we don’t see the homeless man on a street corner necessarily, the needs are there.

Good Shepherd Alliance (GSA) tries to assist families in answering those “where” questions. They are a Christ centered organization that tries to help families struggling with those very needs. However, they can’t do this alone; donations and contributions have to come in from the community.

On May 2, MBC Loudoun concluded a month long GSA needs drive. THANK YOU to all those who participated. The economy is tough on a lot of people right now, but it never seems to dampen the response from the folks at Loudoun. The aid you provided goes directly towards helping single mothers living in the shelters where they are given the opportunity to try to get back on their feet. As you can imagine, these days the needs are greater, and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, you gave generously.

Thanks also to everyone who helped cart the supplies to the storage area after the services and to Keith for helping me deliver the items today.

I’ve attached a couple of pictures to show you how much stuff you guys collectively gathered. When one of the volunteers at GSA came by the kitchen and saw the donations, she stated, “Wow! The folks at MBC really give!” I don’t say that to make you proud or to boast in the works that we do but to say that God is glorified through your good deeds and your generosity. You consistently amaze me at how you are so willing to give … and often times to folks you’ve never met.

Thank you for living out what Christ has called us all to do – to help “the least of these.”

Thanks for being Jesus with skin on!

In Him,

Greg Lilly