The boy and his friends sorted through shirts, shorts and pants folded on a table situated in a church parking lot.
As the trio bustled about, I asked him, “What size do you wear?”
“A medium,” he answered.
“What are you looking for?”
Without hesitation, he replied, “Anything.”
I looked down at his face. He said he was “7 going on 8.” And he was shopping for school clothes.
Excited to help this sweet boy, I picked up a black shirt with an animal pictured on the front and held it up in front of him.
“Do you like this?” I asked.
“No,” he said. He wasn’t impressed with my selection.
I continued to search for a clothing item he could fit and would like. Shortly after, I noticed him clutching a white cotton shirt to his chest. He had found something. And it was now his to own.
The Reach4Hope Back to School outreach event August 15 at City Church International was an incredible experience. As a volunteer with Gateway Church, which partnered with both ministries for the event, I was able to see the love of Christ in action and lives of little ones touched in a very special way. I witnessed families walking from all directions to find their place in line at the giving church. The line was lengthy and the weather was indeed hot. But there was no end to the smiles and spirit of thanksgiving that filled the air. Not only was clothing given away, but children who would otherwise go without received free backpacks full of supplies for the upcoming school year.
I also watched as people who received prayer allowed their tears to flow freely as prayer teams ministered sweetly and attentively to them. God was there and He was definitely pleased by the care for His people.
It was a much-needed reminder for me that true church takes place in the community, meeting needs all while giving God glory. The Reach4Hope event displayed this perfectly.
To learn more about Reach4Hope and its ministry to inner city children, go to reach4hope.com.
He Created Me 