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 This year, all the volunteer slots for
specific projects were filled before the day came. Hundreds of volunteers from area
churches set out and completed 67 projects. On the docket were 14
whole-house window replacements and construction of three wheelchair
ramps. Other projects included yard cleanup, window washing, gutter
cleaning, interior painting, plumbing, replacing stairs and so on.
Those who were not committed to a particular project reached out in
some other manner in the community. Some found things to do as
families, such as prepare for the next Butterflies Kids' Sale, to be
held in the Women's Club building beginning Wednesday. Profits from the sale help support local adoptions.
Some families visited seniors who can't get out, or they picked up
trash or weeded in public spaces or roadsides.
Many people donated money or materials for projects, and some gave
food to go to the pantries.
Approximately 500 volunteers from at least 10 different churches
participated in scheduled projects on Sunday.
Not everyone partakes, but a sack lunch delivered to sites is offered
to those who are out laboring. Public relations coordinator Dustin Fulton reported
that after completing 457 lunches, the kitchen crew had a total of
10 cookies, seven packets of mustard and one apple left! Several of the
volunteers passed up the free lunch in order to help make sure
others could be fed.
While many of the volunteers will be going back out to finish
some of the projects that take more time, Together for Lincoln came
to a close Sunday evening with a worship service at the Lincoln
Christian University Hargrove Chapel.
Dustin Fulton, a community-minded pastor and one of the founding
leaders of this event, will soon be leaving the area. Dustin with
his wife, Kristen, and their two children will be doing a church plant
up north, around Interstate 80.
Fulton had this reflection on his experience with Together for
Lincoln:
Even with all of the stress that comes
with preparing and planning for Together for Lincoln, it is by far
my favorite ministry activity of the year. Since this is my last
time in town for Together for Lincoln, it was more than a bit
emotional.
I got a chance today to run around and visit a few projects and talk
with some of the home owners who were being blessed with new windows
and ramps. It was great to see the smiles on their faces and the
tears in their eyes, as well as the joy on the faces of all of the
volunteers.
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I have always believed that God
provides for those who are in need. Through Together for Lincoln, I
have learned that God wants to use us to be a part of that
provision. Of all the things I have learned from our 7 years in
Lincoln, the principles behind Together for Lincoln will be the most
valuable that I take with me to our next ministry.
I have the easiest job with Together
for Lincoln. From the beginning, I have been the PR coordinator.
That means I get to be the one to go around and talk about all the
good stuff that is happening.
I am so thankful to work with the dozen or so volunteers on our
leadership team. They do such a tremendous job preparing all of the
projects and organizing the volunteers. That is where the true heart
of Together for Lincoln resides and who keeps this great ministry
going from year to year.
-- Dustin Fulton
This year, there were also funds raised for the Oasis Senior
Center to aid recovery after the destructive fire earlier this year.
In its core message, Together for Lincoln encourages everyone in
the community to take this kind of service day and turn it into a
way of life.
There are some volunteers who work year-round, such as the
wheelchair ramp construction group, to give a little help where it
is needed.
This year, families will be warmer, safer and more comfortable as
a result of the many individuals who happily shared their time,
gifts and resources on this day.
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You can donate to Together for Lincoln online or at State Bank of
Lincoln.
http://togetherforlincoln.com/GetInvolved.aspx
Other local ministries:
Butterflies Kids' Sale:
http://butterfliesconsignment.blogspot.com/
Woven Together:
http://woventogetherlogancounty.org/
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