07/28/06 :: Water for the thirsty—and good news for everyone
West Orlando, FL >> In late June, families from Grace Church took part of their Saturday to bring cold water to thirsty people at biking trails and playgrounds. Senior pastor Wayne Brooks explains why, and talks about the conversations that followed…
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Grace Church had a servant-evangelism outreach on June 24. We gave away about 500 bottles of water with Grace Church labels and a card explaining why we were giving the water away.
We assembled by care groups at four different locations along a popular biking and walking trail in Winter Garden and offered the water as people came by. There were also adjoining playgrounds, so we were able to share with parents as children played. We had a number of folks interested in hearing more about the gospel, and many people were amazed that we would be doing this for free.
It was a wonderful opportunity for entire families to participate in outreach. One of the most remarkable things was the enthusiasm of the children to participate. The parents had prepared the children on what to say and how to give the water to adults. One little girl handed out a bottle but forgot to say what she was supposed to say. So as two men stood there drinking their water, the little girl ran back up to them and blurted out, “God loves you.”
We trust that many folks were affected by the free water and our communication with them. But beyond the impact on the community, it has affected Grace Church. These events stir us to continue to look outward and remind us of the great need for Christ in our community.
For more about Grace Church and their community outreach, read about the block party the church threw for 300 people earlier this summer.