The Story Comes to Life
This weekend, DOXA church hosted our first missions team. They came to help us bring the story of God to life in our community, and the outcome was one of great blessing for many.
When Steve and I first moved here we immediately began looking for for a restoration project…something that was not quite right in Crafton that we could have a hand in making right again. That project was found in our local park, which has a beautiful playground built by the people of the community, but has unfortunately fallen pray to a large amount of inappropriate graffiti. Profanity, sexual references, suicide notes, and vitriol of all sorts were displayed in just about every little crevice of a park intended for 5 to 10 year olds. We had one simple act of service planned…restore the park to its original beauty, just as Jesus does for us.
At first, it looked as if we would not be able to complete our project. The day before the group arrived, the worst storm in 25 years hit Pittsburgh, with severe thunderstorms predicted for the entire weekend. However, the rain held off, and our team worked so hard, they finished the two-day project in only one!. During the process, several teenagers were loitering in the playground, some who became interested inwhat we were doing. A few even volunteered to help – even one who was responsible for some of the graffiti.
The final stage of our plan was to have a community cookout to celebrate the restoration of the park, have a chance to meet people of the community who frequent the park with their kids, and share with them our vision and purpose in restoring the park. About 50 hot dogs later, 6 pounds of kielbasa, and a HUGE bowl of pepperoni rolls compliments of Nannette, we were able to meet a whole host of people and hear their stories, and share with them ours.
We gathered, we journeyed, we restored, we celebrated. We lived out the rhythms of the Kingdom. As N.T. Wright says, we, “sketched out with pencil what Jesus will one day paint over in indelible ink.” The ultimate result…one of those families that stopped by for the cookout came to our community gathering last night. We shared the story of God together. They shared their story with us (and what a story). We have already identified several ways that we can bless them, and treat them as part of the family, even if they are not a part yet. In either case, they have stated that they will be joining us from now on, and DOXA church has gained a wonderful family thanks to the efforts of a small group of people from York, PA, and to the blessing of God upon an undeserving people whom he has chosen to love. It’s the story come to life before our eyes.
Amen.