Summer wrap-up

October 18, 2011

What a great summer this has been!

The Foodbank approached our Christ Together churches about helping to meet a big need in our community. The Food Bank was at a point of desperation as they sought to fill their empty shelves. Although it was extremely short notice, we mobilized 5 churches (Real Life Church, New Mt. Sinai, Ascension Catholic Church, Victory Worship Center and Calvary Revival Chesapeake), one daycare (Little Sun Beans) and the ABNB Credit Union. Our shared efforts allowed us to come together and gather nearly 2,500 pounds of food! Thanks be to God our Provider!

This initiative stirred the heart of a church member at Real Life Church. God led her to organize an event for teens and children on August 6 called “Trash The Steps” to continue food and fundraising efforts for the summer hunger effort. The event took place at Mount Trashmore Park. This 60-foot high has 72 tall, deep timber steps leading to the top. Athletes use this area to train for their fitness events. Youth ages 3-15 who participated in Trash The Steps solicited sponsors who donated one bag of food or a dollar amount for each trip to the top of the mountain a Trash The Steps participant made. Together, they raised a little over $1050.00 and gathered 97 pounds of food on that day. The Foodbank estimates that $1 buys about 4 lbs of food, bringing the Trash The Steps total to about 4,300 lbs of food.

We’re continuing to adopt public schools signing official partnership agreements with them to mentor, tutor and feed students who have been identified by school officials as in need or at risk. Three elementary schools have partnered with churches for the program called “Partners in Education”. Real Life church adopted Kemps Meadows and Point Of View elementary schools. Awaken Church adopted Lynhaven elementary school. We are excited as more churches begin to recognize this amazing opportunity to be the hands and feet of of Christ!

In Portsmouth, three new pastors have started working together with inner-city youth. Prior to the collaboration through Christ Together, each of them were trying to attack the issue alone, but now as they work together, they are seeing much greater impact in the community.

Our pastor connections continue to make powerful inroads as these relationship grow. We've fielded a lot of inquiries from other churches inour area who want to know more about this Christ Together thing!

Please continue to pray for the efforts of Christ Together as we advance together for the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Together in Christ with you,

Pastor Todd Woolston,

Regional Director, Southside Hampton Roads Virginia