The Kingdom of God
Fewer than four miles away from our church on Sunday, the kingdom of God sprouted and grew just a little bit more. It happened at the Hope Community, where a group of sorority sisters and FBC volunteers gathered to pressure wash a dorm for men. These clients are transitioning out of homelessness into sustainable living. They’re just one part of a broader mission that Hope Community serves under its umbrella agency, the Big Bend Homeless Coalition. They help men, single women, and families over a six month period gain life skills, find jobs, stabilize their lives, and gain self-esteem.
I had the chance to talk to Dionne, one of the residents of Hope Community. A native of Camilla, Georgia, Dionne is a dry wall carpenter. His son died at the age of 10, and his life has never been the same. But Dionne has found a refuge at Hope Community. He’s attending T.C.C. and rebuilding his life. I can see why Big Bend is such a leader in our community. Eighty percent of their clients succeed and leave homelessness permanently.
On Saturday, this team, along with 54 others, served Dionne and people just like him in Jesus’ name. Nearly 500 First Baptist and friends scattered throughout Leon County. We had plenty of help from Alpha Delta Chi and Beta Theta Pi. We served from FAMU to FSU, from the Humane Society to the Pregnancy Center, from Chelsea House to Brehon and many more. We could not do this kind of thing without an 11-year history of faithfully showing up when we said we would. We partnered with agencies that do incredible work. When we share in Jesus’ name, the seeds of the kingdom of God begin to sprout in lives like Dionne’s. Through word and deed, we offered good news.
Because of Jesus’ great love, we can love and serve one another. You are a phenomenal congregation, First Baptist. You demonstrated that once again this weekend. You truly Love Tallahassee.