We all have passions – ideas or people into which we channel our energy, emerging as the priorities of our lives. Sometimes we choose them, and other times we do not; but, whether we understand why or not, they are the result of a path toward which God has guided us. Such a path has led me to my destination today as a supporter of Christian Help, Inc.
After observing my wife’s glow of fulfillment from participating in New Hope Church of Greenwood’s STAR Program, an after-school tutoring program that fosters a loving, Christian learning environment, I was encouraged to take action in the program myself. Although I quickly learned that tutoring was not my spiritual gift, I also learned that tutoring is not the only means of making a difference. Through this experience, God blessed me with the opportunity to meet people and gain insight into our community that I consider priceless. For example, I had the pleasure of meeting a little girl whom Marsha, my wife, tutored and supported her family through outlets beyond the STARS Program. I also discovered an alarming fact about my neighborhood: Johnson County is the only county in the state without a homeless shelter. After meeting families living below the poverty level through the STARS Program, I decided to take action. This problem became my passion.
Utilizing my own spiritual gifts and resources, I became the host of the Christian Help, Inc. Golf Outing Fundraiser four years ago. Christian Help, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is seeking to prevent homelessness in Johnson County. They reach out to our neighbors and provide faith and hope when it is needed most. Last year, for the first time in thirty-one years of managing Smock Golf Course, I donated the course for this worthy cause. I believe Johnson County’s homeless population is widely ignored, and God is using me as a catalyst to spark action and awareness in the community.
My hope is that every one of the nearly 200 churches in Johnson County will become involved somehow in the mission of the Christian Help, Inc. Golf Outing. I realize that golfers may characterize only a small percentage of a congregation, just as I understand that tutoring may not be one’s spiritual forte. Accordingly, one may choose another more suitable means of helping the cause, such as sponsoring a hole if they cannot produce a willing team. Once every church becomes involved in the fundraiser, Christian Help, Inc. can build long-term relationships with these churches and develop other sources of funding to help our brothers and sisters. I pray that one day proceeds from the Christian Help, Inc. Golf Outing will become a supplementary line designated toward a specific project of Christian Help, Inc. - such as toward the purchase of a homeless shelter or the remodeling of trailers used for housing.
However, my dream cannot become a reality without help from the Christian community. Every one of us can make a positive change in our community as an instrument of God. We must all join hands and combine our resources to help those that others have ignored. We must surrender our earthly passions and embrace those on the spiritual path that guides us.
