Stop Human Trafficking

My church recently hosted a Stop Human Trafficking seminar.  The speakers included Jillian Mourning, founder of All We Want is L.O.V.E. (Liberation of Victims Everywhere), and Mark Blackwell, president and founder of Justice Ministries.  Both non-profit groups address issues of human trafficking.  Links to their websites are in the column to the right of this article.  Jillian and Mark have a bold message, and are doing great things to fight human trafficking.  Check them out.

Boston Marathon 2013

Carlos Arredondo (wearing hat), a Force for Good

In the midst of life, we are in death; from whom can we seek help? 

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  Psalm 124:8 (Revised Standard Version)

God, comfort and heal those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.  Equip, empower, and encourage all of us to be forces for good in this world. 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.   John 1:5 (Revised Standard Version)

Connecting with Our Community



Our church youth group decided that their focus for 2013 would be to enter into a deeper relationship with folks who live at the nearby Southgate Apartmentswhere many children attending Pinewood Elementary School live. The church has formed great relationships with the children and teachers through mentoring, tutoring, summer camps, backpack ministry, and more.

Our first endeavor was Sunday, April 7, led by Richard Smith, Director of Student Ministries. We sponsored a cookout, with games and crafts. The apartment manager was so excited that she provided a bounce house for the children and set up volleyball games. Our youth were joined by many adults to help with the activities and to develop friendships. We were met by around 75 adults and children from the apartments ranging in all ages!

It was an awesome afternoon of building relationships across multiple cultures, languages, and neighborhoods! The unifying factor = the love of God.