Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
As a community-supported organization, Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) is consistently blessed by the generosity of the citizens in Lincoln County. Many organizations and individuals have come forward as volunteers, fundraisers and messengers for the women and children who are served at the Nest domestic violence shelter. One of the many long-term supporters, First Baptist Church of Ruidoso, recently paid a visit to HEAL to volunteer.
Earlier this year, First Baptist Church of Ruidoso joined J-Bar-J Country Church and Gateway Christian Church for a weekend of youth groups, Bible studies and community service events. HEAL gratefully hosted several participants at The Nest as they cleaned up the shelter’s courtyard in the spring.
First Baptist Church of Ruidoso has now taken on community service projects as part of a program called “Refuge,” which focuses on helping youth find hope, love and security in helping others and living lives of altruism. “Refuge” is being incorporated as part of a larger, ongoing program called, “Jesus in Shoeleather.”
Several young volunteers stopped by The Nest and the Sweet Charity Resale Boutique as part of this month’s project. A group of young men once again cleaned up the courtyard area and washed windows at The Nest, while several young ladies helped at Sweet Charity. Retail staffers Dora and Wellen guided the volunteers to tasks such as sorting stock and searching for any damaged items that had slipped through the cracks during the store’s busy season.
Lisa Williams, the organizer of the new service projects, said, “We’re trying to find ways to reach out and show our love to other people. We wanted to show our thanks to HEAL. We think The Nest makes so much sense here in our community. What they do is so important. We’re very thankful for the hope they give women and children, allowing them to move on into new lives. Our community is so incredibly blessed to have them. We wanted to show our appreciation.”
As part of the Jesus in Shoeleather program, First Baptist Church helped at the Racetrack Chapel by cleaning up the playground and taking care of other yard work. Next month, the group plans to go to the Ruidoso Care Center and host a craft project for the residents of the nursing home. Williams hopes the entire church will get involved in projects going forward. Williams also encouraged any community members to reach out with project ideas or other unfulfilled needs. “This is a very new program and we’re always looking for more opportunities,” said Williams, who can be reached by phone at 575-257-2081.
“The compassion and dedication of these youth is so admirable. We at HEAL and Sweet Charity appreciate their kindness in this community service project,” said HEAL board member Rachel Weber.
Pictured are the girls and boys of the First Baptist Church, on a recent community service project at Sweet Charity and the Nest.
