Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Going beyond ourselves again

Army of servants sees God’s grace working in West Dallas

By Ann Higginbottom

Published May 1, 2009 in Witness

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all ?and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

In an era of economic instability and global recession, it is beautiful to see the love of Christ compelling one community to serve another. On Saturday, February 28, volunteers from our church body came together to serve the urban communities of Dallas. Beyond Ourselves 2009 was an extraordinary display of our growing desire to change the world, one life at a time. Over 500 volunteers from PCPC joined hands cleaning, painting, fixing, and landscaping. It was a stunning picture of 2 Corinthians 5, “that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them.” The hands and feet of Christ crossed the Trinity, and in an effort to live for something more, gave their day to meet the needs of others. The love of Christ should compel us to no longer live for ourselves, but rather for Him. If we truly understand the gospel of grace, I believe that there will be a compelling and exhilarating drive to love one another as we have been loved.

In Acts 11, Barnabas pays a visit to the thriving church in Antioch. His observation is staggering: “When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:23). What a beautiful sight! Evidence of the grace of God was so apparent that Barnabas was encouraged in the Lord. As I reflect back on Beyond Ourselves 2009, there is such astounding evidence of God’s grace.

In preparation for the big day, many gave of their time and resources to make sure everything would run smoothly. A team of volunteers worked tirelessly to plan each project and contact each ministry. Benevolent participants offered their areas of expertise and funds to support specific projects. An answer to prayer came through a remarkable donation from Wal-Mart. Every needed supply—from Windex to paint—was graciously given. And in an overwhelming display of God’s provision, Wal-Mart donated lunch to feed 800 people. In every way, the Lord provided more than enough—incredible evidence of grace.

The big, cold, windy day

Saturday morning started early. A temperature drop and forceful winds blew through Dallas, leaving some of us to question how many people actually might show up. And then, slowly but surely, the group started flowing in. Evidence of God’s grace on this day of service is this: over 500 volunteers came, bundled up and excited to serve. It was truly beautiful to behold the West Dallas Community Church gym full of families and friends gathered to worship the Lord in singing and then in service.

The group was divided into seven teams. Adults and children spanning all ages served at West Dallas Community School, Mercy Street, Pinkston High School, Voice of Hope, Bill Harrod Memorial Baptist Church, Exodus Ministry, and Interfaith Housing Coalition. Students painted a fence, families cleaned school buses, Bible study groups painted classrooms, and gardeners gave new life to flower beds. And most importantly, prayer warriors took to the streets for prayer walking. I noticed a striking wave of God’s grace throughout the community. New life was abounding in fresh paint and vibrant flowers. PCPC volunteers were sharing lunch and projects with local residents. Within hours, there had been transformation. By His grace, change was seen not only in the landscapes, but in lives.

Aware of God’s great grace

Reflecting back on Beyond Ourselves 2009, there is unmistakable evidence of grace at every turn. It was a day when hundreds of people were called to serve the Lord’s Kingdom in the city of Dallas. C.J. Mahaney eloquently spoke of calling in his book Humility:

The call of God in the lives of believers means that God has been at work in them, and the evidences of grace reveal that He is at work in the present. And we will motivate others by grace when we perceive where and how He is at work in their lives and humbly let them know. They need to know because so often they’re unaware. Too many Christians are more readily aware of the absence of God than they are of the presence of God, and they are more aware of sin than they are of grace. God is at work. We motivate others by grace when we help them to see this, and one of the greatest joys we can experience is when we watch them come to that awareness.

Are you aware that God is at work? There is evidence of grace to prove it! This is an exciting time in the history of our country and our church. More than ever, we need to be aware of the grace that covers over a multitude of our sins. Many of us saw some of the numerous ways that the Lord was working on February 28, and going forward, we have an opportunity together to learn to see through the lenses of grace. Beyond Ourselves was a spectacular display of the Lord’s glory seen in the willing hands of our church and evidenced by His glorious grace.