Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I find it more than appropriate to share a local act of kindness with you.  Many remember the fire suffered by Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church just two months ago, in which the church lost its sanctuary and various other areas.  This was devastating for obvious reasons to church members, but devastating on another level for community members as well.

I work for Angelwood, Inc., a non-profit organization serving the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities.  Every summer, Angelwood holds a day camp for 5 to 23-year-olds with disabilities so that these individuals can experience summer camp just like their brothers and sisters who attend regular camps.  For the last five years, Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church has donated their facilities free of charge to Angelwood, serving as the location for our camp.  Thirty campers a week for five weeks definitely causes a strain on all parties involved, but the church has been welcoming each year.

Because of the recent fire and state budget cuts, Angelwood was unsure of how camp would go this year.  At a meeting last weekend at the church, the Hendricks Avenue pastor told the executive director of Angelwood of the commitment of the church to the mission of serving the disabled population.  He invited Angelwood back this summer, amidst the rebuilding of the church.  I was so blown away by this church’s commitment to the community.  I was sure the church would have too much on their plate to deal with Angelwood this year, but they are looking forward to camp.  What an awesome picture of humility and service!

Happy early Valentine’s Day to you.  I hope it is filled with love and kindness.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 at 12:26 pm and is filed under News, San Marco. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.