GOD CAN OVERCOME OVERWHELMING ODDS

What are the odds:

• That a U of R graduate who grew up in a Disney planned community would live and serve in Church Hill?
• That a little boy who witnessed terrible atrocities of his parents would be growing up a remarkable teenager with a love for the kids in Church Hill believing in Christ and working for CHAT as a street leader?
• That someone who broke into a school as a kid causing trouble in Church Hill would grow up to preach in that school and be one of two pastors at East End Fellowship?
• That that African American pastor could co-pastor the church with a young white pastor from Third Presbyterian and together minister to the community of Church Hill?
• That a small child who melts down violently and needs to be taken home from camp one day, can be reconciled back with love and not malice later in the week?
• That a group from a suburban church could spend 5 days in Church Hill and come out challenged and changed?
• That CHAT, who serves maybe 125 or so kids out of 3,500 in Church Hill could make a difference?

After serving there a for 2 weeks, Church Hill is not a headline or just a dangerous place in the city or “that” place where “those” people live.  It is a place where every day the children have the opportunity to see people sold out for Christ who, like Jesus, have decided to live in community with those whom they serve.  The kids are loved by those who have given up much to live among them and desire to be their neighbors and love them in the way Christ loved us – living, breathing, tangible examples of God’s love.

Now, when I think of Church Hill, I think of the seemingly tireless interns who staff the day camp throughout the summer and so consistently love, praise, discipline, and guide the kids as they play and learn.  I think of the staff who work each day at CHAT and then welcome the kids into their homes in the evening for tutoring, a meal, a game or a chat.  I think of the street leaders who are older kids who have applied, interviewed, and vied for jobs to have responsibilities in serving throughout the various activities at CHAT.  And, of course, I think of the kids, with all of their different personalities, gifts, energies and sometimes problems, who have worked their way into my heart.

Is God working in Church Hill?  All of the things above that may seem against all odds have happened or are happening.  God is working in Church Hill.  And He has provided many opportunities to serve as His hands and feet in that community and to learn how to be better neighbors extending His love wherever we are.  Does CHAT make a difference?  I would say so.  Has God used CHAT to make a difference in me? Absolutely! • Sue Van Doornik

A PRAYER FOR CHURCH  HILL

My prayer is that someday, when the children in the CHAT program are older, that they will look back and thank God for the wonderful program they were involved in; that they will remember the special teachers and helpers who worked tirelessly to make their lives and their community a better place and, more importantly, who modeled the love of Christ to them. • Laura Texter