The Highlight of Our Trip

The Church of the Reconciler - WOW!! I mentioned it in an earlier blog, as we visited it on the way down to New Orleans when we went to Birmingham. Today, we were privileged to attend worship and sing 3 songs for the service. The 3 ministers seem perfect for this church who is fighting for social justice for the 900 homeless people in downtown Birmingham. Rev Kevin Higgs, the Senior Pastor raps and plays guitar with the praise band. They play oldies that have been adapted to a Christian setting. They pipe the music to the street, hoping to encourage people to come in. They have programs, such as prayforthehomeless.org where you can read the stories of Birmingham's homeless, pray for them, then send them prayermail. As the service wore on, the assistant pastor, Rachel Martin delivered the prayermail that had arrived for the attendees. Our kids got a standing ovation from the congregation after singing, and then we had a meet and greet time. One fellow, Titus Battle, really caught the attention of our group. He was there with his adopted daughter. Titus was a well spoken man, who is doing his best to raise two children and take care of his wife, who is paralyzed from being shot in the back several years ago. His condemned house has been restored by a local Sunday School Class, and he is feeling much better about his situation now. You can find his story at http://prayforthehomeless-org.blogspot.com/2009/11/titus-b-prayer-candidate-128.html
After taking Communion with the homeless, we left feeling that this church, its pastors and volunteers were making a difference for the people on the streets of Birmingham. What a great experience.

Our last stop before home was singing for one more assisted living facility in Fort Payne, AL. The choir sounded awesome!! I wish you could have seen how well our kids represented you, our members of FCUMC. Everywhere we went, the people commented on the beautiful singing and their behavior. They were friendly to the residents, and did their assigned jobs without the first complaint. The parents and the church family have done an excellent job of teaching our youth about kindness and generosity. Praise Be to God!

Lastly, a thank you to the staff and parents who put the trip together (you know who you are!!) It was fun, tiring, exciting, dramatic, humorous, musical, and humbling. It was a blessing to all who attended, and will be a trip to remember for a lifetime.

Now enjoy "This Little Light of Mine" - Reconciler-style!