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My head is still spinning and my body still aches, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! A hurricane may have delayed the event and prevented the second group from arriving, but going to Convoy last weekend was an incredible experience. It was life-changing for many of the 10,000+ people who came and received the hope and help they needed. And it was definitely an experience that those of us who could make it will not soon forget.

Joel (the guy in the pic with the black hat) sent this encouraging letter that paints a picture of the event:

Unbelievable!  I could not stop saying that today!  After homeland security & FEMA shut us down yesterday (btw, we lost 3 tents in the crazy hurricane winds) I didn’t know what to expect on Sunday.  But my expectations were exceeded!  We had over 10,000 people show up today to the Convoy of Hope as well as 1,200 plus volunteers!  Unbelievable!

I wish you all could have been there to see it, but I totally understand everyone’s different commitments with their churches.  Thank you for your support in so many different capacities along the way.

For those who could make it, it was such a wonderful experience to have our worship service by worshipping through service!  We were not a group of churches today, we were THE CHURCH!  Thanks so much to all the volunteers, the churches, everyone who invested in this event.  I will be in touch soon with more, but just had to say a huge THANKS to everyone who gave prior to the event and those who served at the event!!!

The Washington Post and the Washington Times both ran articles about what we did. Also, check out I Gave One Day. The site is a social networking site for those interested in Compassion ministry.

Throughout the Old Testament, God made provision for the poor through His people (Exodus 23:11, Leviticus 19:10, Deuteronomy 15:7, etc.). And often, the words of His prophets show that God is unhappy when the poor were mistreated and abandoned (Isaiah 3:14-15, Jeremiah 5:27-29, Ezekiel 16:49-50, etc.) In the New Testament, Jesus was clear that caring for those in need goes hand in hand with being His disciples.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 24-35-40

Do you want to be a part of serving the poor? Want to be a part of something bigger than yourself? This is your opportunity to serve those in need in the name of Jesus–and have an unforgettable adventure in the process! We’ll spend 4 days and three nights in Washington DC, serving those in need.

Group #1
We’ll be heading to Washington DC to be a part of Convoy of Hope on Thursday, September 4. The biggest cost of the trip will be the hotel stay - $98 – which isn’t bad for three nights in a downtown DC hotel! Meals will be on your own, so bring food money and money for the Metro. There are many ways to serve. We will also be part of the publicity, set-up and break-down teams (including night security for those of us who like to stay up all night).

Group #2
Realistically, not everyone can get off from work/school for Thursday and Friday. A second group will leave Calvary at 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon in order to make the volunteer meeting in time. (All volunteers are required to attend a meeting the night before the event at 7:00 pm.) If you drive yourself, I would suggest parking at the Park and Ride and riding the Metro into Union Station (or parking at Union Station if you prefer). The location of the meeting is a short walk from Union Station. You can meet up with us at Ebeneezers after the meeting if we don’t see you there. If you plan on this option, please talk with me beforehand so we can figure out hotel arrangements, etc.

Since we will stay to breakdown, we are not sure what time we will be finished Saturday night. In order to be safe, we plan on staying over until Sunday morning, September 8, and will attend church at one of the host churches, National Community Church before heading home.

Still have questions? Check the Frequently asked Questions or email us. (I will be on vacation part of the next week. After this Saturday, I will be hard to reach until Labor Day weekend, but Amy will be coordinating all the details while I’m gone.) We will also have an information table at Calvary in the lobby for the next couple of weeks,

Remember:

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

To reserve your spot, please get a check to Amy (or drop one by the church office), or pay online.