Anaheim church, spurred on by unusual inspiration from pastor, donates items and makes a difference
Reverend Stu Smith is the new minister of Christ Church Unity of Anaheim, and on a recent Sunday, Rev. Smith asked for suggestions for an outreach program they could do for the following month.
Magdalena Hurtado stepped forward and with passion, told of an organization in Tijuana, Mexico that helps Mexicans waiting to enter the United States. They give them socks, underwear and towels. Donations are much needed. The organization is the Casa del Migrante Mission.
And so it was that Rev. Smith and the congregation started their outreach. All were encouraged to bring in items and pile them on the altar. The first two weeks brought in around 200 items. Then Rev. Smith had an idea. He announced, “If you bring in 1000 items altogether, I will color my hair purple.”
That was all the empowerment that was needed. The items at the altar began to grow. Many church members are signed up for a group smartphone texting system. The phones began to go off again and again.
Magdalena texted, “Someone just left four bags on my porch.”
Marie texted, “I found socks on sale at Dollar Tree.”
Laurel texted, “I found underwear on sale at Walmart.”
The race was on, and the smartphones went off again and again. The pile grew. By the fourth week, the congregants had gathered 898 items.
With only four days left, there was a last minute frenzy until the collection of socks, underwear and towels amounted to a grand total off 1004. Rev. Smith was a member of the smartphones group and a good sport.
On the following Sunday, Rev. Smith arrived at church with purple hair, and everyone in the congregation knew they had been empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.
Christ Church Unity of Anaheim is located at 1648 W Broadway, and they invite you to join them every Sunday for church, and for classes throughout the week.
