When a trailer stolen from a Shreveport church turned up in the Queensborough neighborhood a few years ago, church members discovered a new place for a new outreach.
Members believed God used the theft of that trailer to show them a neighborhood where they needed to share the love of Christ – and they have done so in a big way.
We want the people here to feel loved. We are here to share the Community Renewal message that We Care.”
We want the people here to feel loved. We are here to share the Community Renewal message that We Care.”
Celebration Church started its partnership with Community Renewal soon after the opening of the Queensborough Friendship House which serves children and families. Celebration volunteers have helped with block parties, Christmas parties and other special events, and a committed group also comes on a weekly basis to help with the after-school Kids Club.
“This shows us how a little love can go a long way. We’ve seen some of their living conditions – some have no running water or electricity – and it really makes us want to do more,” said Sarah Persia, 21, who now serves as leader of the group. She is an LSUS student and also has a job, but she always wants to make time for the Friendship House kids.
“My first time here everything just clicked and I knew this was something I wanted to do. There are so many kids in need.”
Sarah and other volunteers help the boys and girls with homework, teach lessons, play games with them and more. They have found they receive as much joy as they give.
“We want to plant seeds and make a positive impression for Christ. We hope to meet more people in the neighborhood and see it changed for the better,” she said.
“We want the people here to feel loved and know that people are here who want to build community. We are here to share the Community Renewal message that We Care.”
Tyler Britten is a senior airman at Barksdale Air Force Base from Iowa. He volunteered with his church there and wanted to continue that here.
“I love having an impact in the at-risk areas. This is a lot different than where I am from and I was a little nervous at first, but I’ve had no problems and now I am happy to come here,” he said.
“It makes you feel good when you see the kids smile. I really hope I can be a role model and I hope they can then become good role models themselves.”
Marli Chesak, an LSUS business major, is in her second year of volunteering at the Friendship House.
“I love the kids. They are spectacular and they are so excited for us to be here. We always remind them that they can always talk to us and we will always listen because what they have to say is important,” she said.
“This is a long-term investment and the kids make it all worthwhile. We’ve seen shy kids become more confident. We’ve seen that just being here can make a positive impact in their lives.”
Get involved!
If you have a group that would like to volunteer at or help support a Community Renewal Friendship House, just give us a call us at 318 425-3222!
