From Mike Whittington 4/08/08

Mike volunteered at the Charlotte Rescue Mission on Easter morning, preparing and serving breakfast. He also serves during Room in the Inn.

For both ministries I was stirred to help those that are less fortunate than I am. My wife, Jill, and I served in both ministries and it was a way to serve others that have encountered circumstances that have caused them to have major obstacles in their lives. It is a reminder how fortunate we all are to live in such a prosperous area of a prosperous country, and to have the freedom to worship Jesus in ways such as serving. In Mark 10:45, Jesus says “The Son of Man came to serve, not be served….” and I believe that as Christians we should serve in small and large ways to glorify His name.

Yes I encountered Jesus by serving and seeing all of the others that were serving and understanding the difference we made for a few folks in a brief moment. Our culture has become so busy, full of things that keep us busy, and we need to be intentional about taking the time to serve others and make certain our priorities are in order. At the Charlotte Rescue Mission I had the opportunity to sit down with a couple of guys there that “seemed normal” just like you and me, but were going through rough times. They had hope, and you could see it in their face. It is not what we have in this world, but the hope we have in Jesus Christ that brings joy and peace in your heart regardless of the circumstances in front of you.

These experiences provided immense spiritual growth. Both opportunities allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, especially the Room in the Inn. My friend, Todd Hess, and I went to the local laundry mat and washed clothes for the homeless men and women. It reminded me of the part in the Bible where Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. The awesome thing is that our LFC community group participated and to hear their stories afterwards was rewarding. Thank you for the opportunities to serve at LFC!

From Matt Livigni 4/10/08

Matt volunteered at the Charlotte Rescue Mission on Easter morning, preparing and serving breakfast.

The ministry that the Charlotte Rescue Mission provides in helping people to be free from the bondage and chains of alcoholism and drug abuse through introducing them to a relationship with Jesus Christ is just an amazing and worthwhile work in my opinion.

Jesus commands us to serve and love the poor and anytime that I unselfishly give and love in this way it touches my heart deeply. Especially when I am able to talk to and encourage another in their rehabilitation and walk with Christ.

I had the opportunity to share some things that God has tought me about my marriage with Marcus who is the executive chef and former client of the program. Anytime that we are able to give and encourage another with something that God has taught us it allows us to grow to become even more like Christ.