Community Update | September 8, 2016

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which such sacrifices God is pleased.
– Hebrews 13:16

I remember one time I has to ask the church for money for the youth department.  The budget was so low and the youth department was growing and we needed funds.  I had never done that before and I was so nervous.  After the conference and elderly man named Bill Ward came up to me and said to me ” Marlon don’t you ever worry about money for the kids not as long as Barbara (his wife) and I are around.

Bill never let the kids down.  When we would have a car wash, he would bring all his cars and his donation got bigger with each car.  At NorthStar Church the bridge that is built between the parking lot and the church is named after him.  I love it when students get their prom and homecoming pictures there.  I can count the number of Christmas cards that I have gotten from families who had their picture taken on the bridge.  I love doing weddings on that bridge.

I can’t recall a bridge, a scholarship, a road, a stadium, a school, a building that has ever been named after a taker.  People remember givers who impacted their lives.

I never forgot Bill’s words that night.  I always wanted Libby and I to be that same way for kids.  Every Halloween in our neighborhood the homes that have candy for the kids will leave their porch light on.  Those who don’t leave the porch light off.  The Longacres’ porch light will always be on for kids.

This month Love Does is going to help children who are fighting cancer.   Last Friday night before the Harrison vs North Cobb football game there were over 40 children honored for their fight against cancer.  It was an unreal sight to see over 40 gold balloons released into the air by the families.  On Sept. 17 here at Piedmont there will be a car wash that is sponsored by the young married couples class to raise funds for Childhood Cancer.  After the services this Sunday you can go to Waterfall Hall to sign up to have your car wash or you can make a donation to Love Does.  All the $ collected this month for Love Does will go to the Mary Elizabeth, Melissa, Lake Fund for Childhood cancer.  

Anna Bozeman Thompson will be joining me on Stage this Sunday  for the wrap to talk about the Car wash and the importance of this month’s Love Does.

Libby and I know the difference that Love Does has made in our lives.  The Ipads that have been purchased by Piedmont for the schools has made a huge impact in our son Matthew’s life.  I hope and pray that this month Love Does will do the same in the lives of those families who children are fighting cancer.

I love serving with all of you!  See you Sunday!

Marlon