More than a preschool ministry….

Some may look at Journey land as an area they drop their children off each Sunday morning.  A place that they feel safe and know that the volunteers are going to love on their children and make sure every need is meant. 

Yes, it is all of these things and more.  Today was one of those days that it is more apparent to me than ever that we, Journey land, are more than just a preschool ministry, we are a “FAMILY.” 

Each Sunday we gather at our Columbia County and North Augusta Campuses to do what we do best, care for children.  We have a crew that comes in before any of us and sets up the walls, tables, screens, etc.  They set up before you or I ever open an eye lid.  Then we have our volunteers who make sure all the rooms are ready for each child to arrive.  We also have our tear down crew, they make sure all the items end up back on the truck.  Through the heat and cold they get on that truck and pack it with all of the Journey land items. 

This is where we are more than a “preschool” ministry.  Last week I received a phone call from one of our volunteers and friend, Tina Walton.  Tina is a volunteer in our Toddler room and her husband Steve is the leader of our tear down team.  Steve has not been feeling well for the past two weeks with pneumonia.  Tina shared that Steve had a scan and they found a mass in his chest.  They aren’t sure what it is so they scheduled him for another test, a Pet scan. 

As we gathered today to tear down Journey land we paused for a time of prayer.  We put our arms around Steve and Tina to let them know that we are here for them, we are family.  We will stand behind them, side by side as they step over this bump in the road.  We pray that as Steve goes for his test this Wednesday that the doctors will not find anything.  That God will give Steve favor and allow him to be healed of whatever this mass may be. 

TrueNorth is so much bigger than just a Sunday morning service.  TrueNorth is about relationships and doing life with people.  Life is hard, things happen and we go through struggles all the time.  It’s hard enough to deal with these things but wouldn’t it be more difficult if we had to do it alone.  We don’t have too, yes, we have our friends at TNC but we also have a heavenly father who loves us and wants to be with us during our struggles.  He wants to rap his arms around us and carry us through.

I am continually amazed at the things God teaches me.  I am also amazed how much God wants me to be authentic with people and Him.  How often have I pushed people away because I have been hurt.  I build this wall to keep the pain away.  As I build this wall I stand alone behind it, no relationships, lonely, pushing back the pain.  But here’s the thing, if I continue to build these walls, to stand behind them so I no longer get hurt, then I will never meet people like Tina and Steve Walton, what a loss that would be. 

I open myself up so that I can be used by God to walk with those who are in need.  Even though I may be giving of myself  what I received in return is so much more.  To know that I can take a moment in time and pray, to show our love and concern for people.  Isn’t that what TrueNorth Church is all about, yes, it is.

We have many families that are hurting, struggle and feel that they are at a loss.  Please take a moment to pause and pray for them.  You may not know their names but God does.  Prayer is an amazing thing, I have seen the miracles, don’t you want to be a part of the miracle.