August 19, 2005
North Springs Alliance Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, recently participated in a home makeover project at Family Life Services, a transitional housing complex for abused women and their children. The project was promoted as a double outreach, says church member Tracie Petrie. “Focusing on Acts 1:8, we challenged our [church] people to get out of their comfort zones.” Volunteers recruited unchurched neighbors and acquaintances to join them. Local businessmen and merchants contributed supplies for the project.
More than 800 hours of labor and $15,000 in donations went into the venture. Sixty people from the church and the community participated. Electricians, plumbers, building suppliers, and a home builder offered grants, materials, and labor. “Even a coffee shop kept our cups filled!” Petrie said.
When the work was finished, the twofold mission has been accomplished. Relationships developed between church members, who see each other only on Sunday mornings. And the practical demonstration of Christ’s love impacted the lives of those who volunteered and those who benefited.
“I work out at a gym with the man I invited,” said church member John Zuch. “It turns out we both have experience working with tile, so I asked him if he’d like to join me in this project.” Zuch spent two days working side-by-side with his friend, explaining his motivation for helping. His friend ended up accepting Christ as Savior.
“Extreme makeover,” whether in the U.S. or overseas, is not a new concept in The Alliance. Helping people and sharing God’s love is The Alliance.