Faith In Action

Stories

In The News

Story

Like Loaves and Fishes

Zillah Nazarene began the Faith in Action concept in specially created small groups. "Within these groups, we began to build a greater sense of family," pastor Eric explained, These groups also led out in the various service projects."...

Zillah Nazarene Church in Zillah, Washington is a church of only 160 members and attendees. Zillah itself is a small town of about 2,500 people, but the church “found a lot of needs to cover” on its Faith in Action Day, said pastor Eric Stilwell.

Zillah Nazarene began the Faith in Action concept in specially created small groups. “Within these groups, we began to build a greater sense of family,” Pastor Eric explained. “These groups also led out in the various service projects.”

With 130 people participating, the church was able to complete a variety of projects, the list of which just seemed to keep on growing. One group met at the Zillah Food Bank to package bulk food products, rearrange and organize the shelves, and prepare the food bank for the cold months to come. Another team painted a building at Stewart City Park. A group of teens weeded and repaired city flowerbeds, while another team built a pergola across from City Hall as a welcoming entrance to the town. Still others completed yard work for a needy family, hauling off two large trailers full of debris. Meanwhile, another group walked the neighborhoods, praying over homes and the people inside them.

Groups of seniors and kids also worked on Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, creating beaded bracelets that explained the plan of salvation; they personally sorted, packed and wrapped each box. Still another group visited a nearby nursing home, singing for them and handing out handmade cards; they also visited with the residents for several hours.

The city was very grateful for the work that was accomplished, Pastor Eric said. “They really appreciated our emphasis on ‘What can we do for you?’ The best part was that our community was able to see the church in action, serving them.”

Afterwards the church held a barbecue and celebration service, where they showed a video of all the work done that day. “Everyone just felt good!” said Pastor Eric. “The feedback I kept hearing was, ‘Let’s do this again.’” One newer church member responded, “I’ve never really been a part of a church until recently, but I told my wife after we finished our project – for the first time, I feel like I’m part of a family.”

Since its Faith in Action Day on Oct. 12, Zillah Nazarene members say they’ve become much more aware of the needs around them. “Our people are seeing more clearly – they’ve become much more sensitive to the needs of others,” Pastor Eric explained.

“The community-building that took place in the small groups leading up to Faith in Action Day, along with the actual projects accomplished, made a terrific impact on our people,” Pastor Eric summed up. “One without the other wouldn’t have had the same effect. People who participated in both were changed.”