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Day of Mercy Project 1: June 16th, 2012
In Partnership with the Mayor of London
Walthamstow Marshes - Lee Valley
Picking up Litter & Clearing Grafitty in Preparation of the 2012 Olympics
Matthew 5:14-16
New International Version (NIV)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
We had a wonderful day on Mercy day Saturday 17th June 2012 where we were able to imitate the heart of Jesus and walk in his steps!
The day before, we fasted like all the brothers and sisters from around the world - we wanted to commit all that we'd planned to do to the Lord, for him to work with might and power! This fast was indeed fruitful for the disciples of London turned out in great numbers 'as one man' to our projects in East London. Just as the Jesus committed himself to his Father before undertaking the great task of saving the world through fasting (Luke 4v1-2) and was eager to go after the mission God had given him evidenced by his rising early (Mark 1v35-39); the sisters and brothers rose early on Saturday joyful and eager to serve as the Lord had strengthened their spirits through their petitioning of him. Their was a joyful throng of Mercy volunteers in the Olympic walkway near stratford and at the Food Bank in Barking! Brothers and sisters fellowshipped with the organisers and even sang joyful songs! After being led in prayer by the brothers who led the projects, they set to work!
It was the objective of the Mercy organisers and the ambassadors to help the local community. Just as Christ healed whole towns (Mark 1v33) and fed thousands (Mark 14v16) we imitated that same spirit of his tireless service by helping the organisers of the Olympic games - soon to be hosted in London; Park Rangers were there instructing the disciples and other volunteers on what was needed. As Jesus was willing to touch the leper's life and get his hands dirty (Mark 1v40) the disciples rolled up their sleeves too and did a 'litter pick-up' in the walkways near Olympic park, so London could present herself at her best at this prestigious event! Disciples gathered litter, swept, and painted graffittied bridges and gates all around this rural area. They did so with joy over several hours and one of the Olympic 'tidy up's' organisers Rebecca, who was interviewed by our dear sister Jeanette Groenwald, was speechless. In Barking, brothers and sisters also served tirelessly as they helped gather food for the hungry in London .
But brothers and sisters, we were not alone! Throughout our movement in scores of cities around the world disciples joined together to serve their communities and bless the needy! As Jesus said 'it is more blessed to give than receive' (Acts 20v35) disciples definitely felt this demonstrated by their turn-out and joy! It was Jesus' plan to save the world - his dream, he wanted to save them completely, through going to the cross for their salvation and through acts of kindness. So much was Jesus' desire he sent out the Twelve (Matthew 28v18-20) to be his ambassadors to the world. The dream was imprinted on their hearts as all over the world the gospel bore fruit (Colossians 1v6). Through these apostles' desire for God to work through them, they were able to be the agents through which God brought kindness and mercy to the whole world!
The Mercy projects started with the toy drive in 2010, with now 40 churches each with at least one project - the work of God through his movement is touching countless souls around the world.
Of note, our brothers and sisters in Abidjan, in a country still recovering from civil war have banded together in their day of mercy, they helped restore a poor neighbourhood schoo allowing children and orphans to be educate in a better environment, and disciples in Congo in Kinshasa helped out in a TB hospital.
Brothers and sisters, this is only the beginning still, though immensely encouraged to see what God has done in a few short years of Mercy days, let's go after his glory even more and touch communities around the world, remembering that the Lord saves those who save the lowly (Matthew 25v34-36; James 1v27).
And to God be all the glory!
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