Go Beyond

This past Sunday, we closed the doors to the church for the thirteenth year in a row and went out into our community to be the church. Caring for Katy is always an amazing day as we corporately move in the direction of people in need to demonstrate God’s love in practical ways. Here are the ten coolest things about Caring for Katy.

10. We worked together. | We engaged in and completed 59 service initiatives on Sunday. That’s more work than one person can possibly do in a single day. However, by working together, we addressed multiple needs and touched many lives throughout our community.

9. We got our hands dirty. | In order to meet needs throughout our community, we had to leave the church building. We became the hands and feet of Jesus throughout Katy and beyond. Adults and children used their hands to plant flowers, pick up garbage, spread mulch, work on homes, and do a multitude of other tasks — including hugging lots of grateful recipients of our acts of kindness.

8. We lived our purpose. | Kingsland’s purpose is to invite all people to experience true fulfillment in Jesus Christ, one home at a time. That’s exactly what we did this past Sunday. We showed and shared the gospel throughout our community. Every act of kindness paved the way for the truth of the gospel to be shared.

7. We built community. | We encourage every member of Kingsland to be a part of a small group and we work really hard to build community. This past Sunday we strengthened our small groups while serving the people of our community. Those who normally sit together in Bible study and worship worked shoulder to shoulder to care for those in need. Caring for Katy strengthened the bonds between those who are members of our small groups.

6. We encouraged our kids. | One of the best things about Caring for Katy is that it allows parents and kids to serve others together. This past Sunday our families made special memories as they served others. Our kids learned that loving and serving others is important and must be a part of who we are as followers of Christ. Serving others is a great way to raise kids that care about the welfare of other people.

5. We met practical needs. | Many people in our community are suffering because they have lost their jobs, are battling illness, or have suffered other unexpected setbacks. Our practical acts of kindness reminded many people that they matter to God and are not forgotten. Our small groups did a great job of talking to people in need and arranging to meet those needs. Those we served expressed their gratitude through smiles, hugs, and tears — the very best Hallmark cards we could ever hope to receive.

4. We inspired people. | At our Caring for Katy planning meeting, I challenged our leaders to add “a little balm and a little honey” (Gen. 43:11) to their materials list. We served many people in desperate need, others who have suffered painful setbacks, and some who feel alone and forgotten. Our presence was like healing balm and refreshing honey to those we served. Our acts of kindness inspired many to persevere and to not lose hope.

3. We caused others to think about God. | One of the coolest things that happened at many of our work sites was the curiosity of neighbors. Many neighbors approached our folks to ask what they were doing and why. This gave us an opportunity to talk about what it means to love God and love people. Many who never attend any church on Sunday saw a living sermon in their own neighborhoods. That’s a really good thing!

2. We will continue to help people. | Our folks made meaningful connections with others in our community. Many of our small groups will continue to serve the people they assisted on Sunday throughout the coming year. They will continue to care for widows and single moms and others who have ongoing needs. They will continue to be Jesus with skin on and to do for others what Jesus would do.

1. God was glorified. | The very best thing about Caring for Katy is that God was glorified. Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The common response from those who saw as well as those who benefited from our many good works was the same — “Thank God” or “God is good” or “Praise the Lord.” Our desire is to continue to glorify His name as we care for the people of our community through unconditional acts of love and kindness.