Why Do It?

Here are some stories from past Celebration events:

"We've just completed a major project, cleaning garbage from three areas in our community ... two parks, one ravine. Two dumpsters were filled to overflowing in the ravine area, with many other bags filled in the parks. These projects had to be done early in conjunction with our city's clean-up ... and they provided the dumpsters, gloves and garbage bags for us! Over 150 people from our church participated!" ~ Islington Evangel Centre - Toronto, ON

"Here on the west coast too, though I don't yet know exact numbers, I've heard very positive reports from cooperative efforts of the churches in Langley, Surrey and Burnaby and know of other municipalities very active also. The church in Surrey now has a 2-day-a-week coordinator who will continue on staff for that city-church following C2005. They will hold a big party in the park and a stadium worship event to wrap-up on June 12. See you in Peterborough!" ~ Murray Moerman, Outreach Canada, Langley, BC

"During the cookie bombing, one of the ladies who received a cookie commented in wonder, "your face is shining." Then after looking at the whole group she said, "all your faces are shining." How wonderful to bless this lady not only with the cookie but also with the evidence of the life of Christ inside us." ~ Mountainview Alliance Church - Langley, BC

"We started a "Cookie Jar" ministry, i.e., a benevolent fund within our small group. It is our hope that this Cookie Jar becomes continually replenished, and allows us to meet continuing needs as God directs us. We have plans to help a financially challenged family by paying for dental work for their young daughter, possibly finance a party for needy pregnant teens, and buy groceries for a single mom." ~ Patrick & Bonnie Cotter - South Delta, BC

"The Timbit giveaway was successful as area residents were blessed and sensed God’s love. In particular one resident was touched in that the Timbits were given to her on a day when her father was in the hospital dying. She was deeply touched as she sensed that God cared for her and said she was going to take the Timbits up to show her dieing father. Those who gave the Timbits to her said they would pray for her and they plan to followup in the future." ~ The Bridge Church - Medicine Hat, AB

"Free muffins were distributed to the university and college students. One was curious enough to ask why we were doing this and got the plain truth - because Jesus loves you! He took a step back in disbelief and realized we were serious and slowly went on his way after thanking us." ~ Marie France - Lennoxville, QC

"Thirty eager volunteers distributed 500 geranium plants door to door in a new residential development. A hand out card explained the gift. It read 'Just because - all God's gifts are free' (on the front); and listed the participating churches with telephone numbers (on the back)." ~ Salvation Army - Kitchener, ON

TorontoPRAISE! offered a night of celebration to hundreds of worshippers, as a number of local artists took the stage and lead an evening of great music in praise. Individual admission was a $10 bag of groceries, all to be donated to the Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank. ~ Agincourt Pentecostal Church - Toronto, ON

"Over the course of 5 weeks, our congregation of 1200 collected items of all sorts – clothing, furniture, sports equipment, household goods, appliances, books, etc. With the help of agencies in our city such as Calgary Housing Society, Inn From the Cold Society, and Sonshine Centre (for abused women and families), we then invited around 400 families to come and "shop", but there was no cost for any of the items. Families were invited to come and take what they needed, or leave things for someone else who might need them." ~ Southview Alliance Church - Calgary, AB

"Members of this church went around in their local community to renovate areas that needed repainting, especially those covered in graffiti paint." ~ Church of the Rock - Winnipeg, MB

"We are sponsoring a free oil change day at Fitzsimmons Garage. We have arranged for 60 oil changes to be done on Saturday, June 4 at our expense. Our people are giving free oil change coupons which we have designed to people that they are ministering to in the community that cannot afford to service their vehicle. The garage owner has enthusiastically put his support behind this venture." ~ Peterborough Free Methodist Church - Peterborough, ON

"Here in Peterborough we have 18 churches and 6 Christian organizations that make up Church in the City. All or most of these will be involved in C2005. Together we are building a Habitat for Humanity home."  ~ Church in the City - Peterborough, ON

"One of our members working in a toy company spoke to her boss and we are given more than a dozen great toys to be given as prizes for the coloring and drawing contest. So far, we have also received food certificates from Loblaws and FoodBasics. Another Christian watch retailer donated some watches too." ~ Toronto Life-Spring Christian Fellowship - Toronto, ON

"Dozens of people stopped for a free popsicle and a "Love Ottawa" card and asked why we would be washing people's cars for free! When we handed them the cards, not one person refused them, in fact most smiled and said, "That's cool" when they saw, "This act of kindness has been brought to you by the churches of Ottawa because God loves you!" All of them tucked them in their pockets so they could check out the Love Ottawa website out later." ~ Metropolitan Bible Church - Ottawa, ON