For a few hours each Saturday, groups of volunteers from the Dream Center invade the working-poor neighborhoods in Atlanta for what they call “Adopt a Block”.
Armed with bags of groceries and a smile, teens and grandparents alike knock on doors, sit on stoops, and offer prayer and friendship.
The complex that my team visited today is one where many of the pimps, drug dealers and working women in the area call home.
I was quick to volunteer for this particular block because, until that point, I had only been able to interact with the women at night and in a very different environment. I was excited at the prospect of meeting their kids and visiting with them in a more relaxed setting.
When we arrived at the complex, many of the children immediately came out to greet us and after a few minutes, it was obvious that we had well-maintained relationships within the community.
After a few visits, I noticed a moving truck pull up a few doors down and a couple with two small children emerged.
They had just arrived from Jacksonville, Florida and today was move-in day.
After a few introductions, I realized that dad was going to attempt to move all of their belongings into their second floor walk-up while mom watched the kids. Without a thought I blurted out, “Let us give you a hand!”
The look of shock on dad’s face was priceless.
He was hesitant at first, but within an hour we had them completely moved in and finished the task that would have taken him all day to complete.
As we worked, he admitted that he had worried all morning about how he was going to do this all on his own. He even went as far as to say that the fact that we showed up was like a “miracle”.
He listened intently as we explained that we were there solely to bring glory to God – a God who cares about even the small details of his life.
It never ceases to amaze me what can be accomplished by demonstrating a simple act of selfless love. The doors that can be opened and atmospheres changed by simply being willing.
My time with Adopt a Block today was nothing less than refreshing, and it served as yet another beautiful reminder that we don’t have to be overseas or on a “mission field” to be the tangible hands and feet of Jesus on this Earth each and every day.
