A Big Ol' "Thank You!"

A big 'ol "Thank You" to everyone who came out to the "Make a Difference Day Toy Drive." What a great day it was! Leaders from the Goodlettsville Help Center were so encouraged by the generous spirit of our community. Also, PCC is so grateful for the many sponsors who helped with this benefit event. Sponsors included Qdoba, Great Clips, First Baptist Church of Goodlettsville, Dunkin' Donuts, Southeast Venture, COI Foodservice, The Parent-Teacher Store, and the City of Goodlettsville. The Tennessean also ran a nice article on the day of the event. Thank you all for making a difference!

Here are some pictures from Saturday's event:

You can view more pictures on my Facebook page.

Official Press Release for the "Make a Difference Day Toy Drive"

Through toy drive, church encourages community to come together on “Make a Difference Day”

For Immediate Release

Goodlettsville, TN: October 25 is officially called “Make a Difference Day.” In an effort to bring the Goodlettsville community together to assist families in need, Peace Community Church(PCC) is organizing a benefit event for that day. On Saturday, October 25, PCC, along with corporate and organizational sponsors, is hosting a “Make a Difference Day Toy Drive.” There will be lots of food and plenty of games for kids. The event will be held on the parking lot of the Publix/Caldwell Square in Goodlettsville from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is free, but people are encouraged to bring a new toy for kids 15 years old and younger. All toys will go directly to the Goodlettsville Help Center, a relief organization committed to helping families in need. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

“This event will be fun for the whole community, and it will serve a great purpose on such a special day,” says Michael O’Neal, pastor of PCC. “Because of our country’s economic situation, there are families who are really hurting right now. This event is all about people coming together for a common cause.”

For more information on this “Make a Difference Day Toy Drive” and on how you or your local organization can make a difference through this event, please contact Michael O’Neal with Peace Community Church at Michael@PeaceCC.org or (615) 528-1321.

5 Things I've Been Learning

I spend time with two great friends every morning: my Bible and my prayer journal (see picture above). By the way, I love the picture of Big Ben on the front of my journal. I've been to London 3 times, and I'd like to go back soon and do some mission work there. Anybody want to go with me?

Anyway, for whatever it's worth, I thought I'd share at least 5 things God has been teaching me over the last few weeks...

(1) Love others. Serve others. That's why I'm on planet earth.

GALATIANS 5:13-14

13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

(2) Don't give up doing good. Keep doing what I know God wants me to do.

GALATIANS 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

(3) Everything and everybody (including me) are created for the purpose of knowing and treasuring Christ.

COLOSSIANS 1:16

All things have been created through Him and for Him.

(4) Be bold. Speak up for God. God is with me, even on days when it feels like very few others are with me.

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JEREMIAH 1:7-8

"You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

(5) Work hard, but depend totally on God's power as I work.

COLOSSIANS 1:28-29

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
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Maybe what I've been learning will prove encouraging to you. What truths or insights are you learning? I hope you'll write them down somewhere and maybe share them with others.