MarkLove.tv

Why I Believe in Earth Day

Today was the 38th annual observance of Earth Day. It was started to draw attention to the need to take better care of the environment and raise awareness on the political radar. When I was a kid, people who observed the day were considered "tree huggers" because they loved, you guessed it, trees. Christians often dismiss the need to take care of the environment because we are more concerned with more spiritual things. We become consumed with issues like abortion, homosexuality, and stem cell research. The earth, after all, is here for us to use as we see fit.

We often forget that the Bible tells us God's first direct instruction to the first man and women was to "cultivate and keep" the creation. Before every other job or issue that we take up, cultivating and keeping the creation must come first. I have to admit, there's a lot more our family can do. The question is, when will we all get to it? Find something you care about; parks, recycling, alternative fuels, cleaning up our community, and get involved.

Habitat for Humanity Build

We had our first IMPACT event on Saturday with Habitat for Humanity and I couldn't be more excited. 20 volunteers carried wood and hammered nails for a family in Chattanooga that needs an affordable home. When we signed up for the wall build, I though we would build a wall or two, but when the trailer showed up with the lumber it was evident we were in for a whole lot more. Instead of two walls, we built all the walls for a home. How awesome is that. Thanks to everyone who put in a hard day's work for a family in need and demonstrated the love and care of the church. You guys are incredible.

Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

I am stoked over an event that Journey volunteers get to be a part of. My friend, John Atherton, is the director of Habitat for Humanity and is partnering with us to do a wall build at Northgate Mall on Saturday, Nov. 10th. We will help build a wall and direct donations for their ReStore. Even if you can't hammer a nail, you can help. Everybody that comes gets a Journey Chattanooga T-Shirt to wear, so, email me if you want to sign up.

Being in the community to help disadvantaged people is a huge value for us. This is just the beginning. We're also working on another event in December, but still need to work out the details. I'll Let you know when we know more.