Special To The Truth
By The Congregants of Bethesda Christian Center
On Sunday, September 27, at the time when most were on their way “to church”, Bethesda Christian Center members were on their way “from church.”
This obviously was an anomaly for an expected not so “Mega Church” according to the standards as to what MEGA means, particularly as it relates to church. While many were astonished as to what was truly going on with people who are traditionally vested in Sunday morning attire, it soon became evident that some of the people who were noticed and known in the community, were appearing to look different in a kind of gear uncommon to many of us on Sunday morning.
We didn’t dress UP, we dressed DOWN.
It became evident that the Marathon Gas Station at 541 N. Reynolds Rd.@Nebraska, had simply become juxtaposed to show a very different picture of what an average day there would look like; but it was Sunday morning.
However, to many, it didn’t take long to realize that something unusual was happening. A FREE GAS GIVEAWAY gave way to the many cars that noticed that a long line behind the Marathon Station had a pattern and a purpose established where drivers would pull up to the next pump open after they had received their offered opportunity to get gas at no cost to them.
While Bethesda Christian Center has spent some time revisiting its Mission, it was noticeably relevant that one thing was missing from the Mission. It was the presence of feel good things and, might we be transparent, the absence of little reaching OUT that is needed to make a significant difference in the lives of families who face constant struggles, especially during this time of uncertainty and INSOLVENCY.
The shift has prompted us to focus more on empty tables than dressed up titles. As the tumultuous turn of events continues to arise almost hourly, where the average family faces not just challenges but life-changing circumstances, there is an obvious need to realign priorities to attempt to help meet basic needs. This is what Bethesda Christian Center realized.
Any amount of reaching out would place some credence to what the MISSION OF THE CHURCH SHOULD BE about. This small act of a FREE GAS GIVEAWAY through that of caring, sharing and valuing relationships with people who ought to matter to us, can only bring smiles, along with attention to the reality, that churches ought not to have loaded bank accounts without the thought to the needs of the people who are often the ones to load them.
me disclaim this right now, Bethesda does not have a loaded bank account, yet, lol. However, the more we gather, the more we’ll give away. Here’s a thought though: Could it be possible that loaded bank accounts place more focus on what’s In the house vs. what’s Outside of the house?
Bethesda Christian Center is realigning our priorities. We vow to reach not just the lost but the hungry, the homeless, the lonely, the downtrodden, the hurt, the helpless needing help, the youth needing to but challenged to stay young, the isolated needing a friend, the ones lacking adequate clothes, and so much more that’s possible to just “help”.
And as we continued to smile and pump, we were able to provide gasoline for 60 drivers, 60 families and households, 60 automobiles who would be able to get to important destinations that possibly took them from point A to point B and with the help of caring people at Bethesda Christian Center congregation, possibly point C.
A special thanks to Marathon Gas Station, Owner Hassan and Staff, we appreciate you. Even during this time, the gas was lessened by 10 cents which allowed us to give a bit more.
Continue to pray for us at Bethesda, we are vowing to do more. And as we elevate our MISSION, we are elevating our THINKING. Please feel free to join us any Tuesday at 6 PM, Sunday at 11 AM and anytime in between.
We have a Food Pantry, Clothing wears, Prayer Center, Leadership Training and much more, helping to elevate the quality of life for our families. We’re located at 5967 Telegraph Rd., Toledo, Oh. 43612. Reach us at FB Bethesda Toledo. Bishop Marjorie Holt, Ph. D., Sr. Servant.
