Target Dayton

One of the last minute, surprise, God-planned things we got to do on our Dayton Adventure was to serve with Target Dayton. Target Dayton is a church located on the corner of Keowee and Xenia whose congregation is made up mainly of homeless individuals. They hold services 6 days a week, which are either followed or begun with a meal. These meals are typically served by volunteers.

I was humbled by the impact of this church, and mostly by the things they are successful at, which would seem to be the things that matter in God’s Kingdom. I was humbled into considering the things I think make us successful as a church of God and whether those things are evidenced by our (my) actions? Or do I say one thing and show with my actions very different priorities?

Am I attempting to reach the lost and serve the least of these, or am I focusing on comfort and reaching the nominal? Am I directing the gospel towards all who need to hear it, or just those that make it convenient for me?

I don’t like wrestling with those questions anymore than you do, and yet, I feel that we must.

I was so proud of our team and how they allowed themselves to be put in uncomfortable situations. They didn’t just put up with being uncomfortable, they thrived and loved those they encountered. This “service opportunity” that I didn’t plan (and was actually leaning towards not doing) turned out to be one of the most impactful and enlightening parts of our trip.

I’m also proud to say we’re going back. I fear there would be mutiny from our team if we did not. But it’s not just us who are going back, we want you to join us.

On Saturday, August 26, we will be meeting at the church at 3:15 to go downtown and worship with our less materially wealthy brothers and sisters and we will then be serving them a much-needed meal. Please join us. See for yourself the need around us that God has put us on this earth to address. Join our amazing, God-fearing, least-of-these-loving students who were willing to say ‘yes’ when asked. The question is now posed to you. Will you be uncomfortable with us?