Unleashing Unprecedented Compassion
These are unprecedented times, aren't they? The shock that our world is experiencing, the uncertainty we are facing, the fear many are feeling, and the loss that countless are grieving is heartbreaking.
The figures alone are staggering. Consider just five that, by the time you read them, will have already changed:
1,309,439 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide
347,003 confirmed cases in the U.S. alone
U.S economy lost 701,000 jobs lost in the month of March
10,000,000 applied for unemployment benefits last month
The Dow Jones closed 23.2% down for the first quarter of 2020
It's important to acknowledge that these figures aren't simply sets of data, but stories of very real men, women, families, friends, neighbors, employers, or employees who, today, are looking at life very differently than they were just a week or month ago.
These numbers might even reflect your story or that of someone you know and love. If so, let me first say that I'm sorry and I care. Let me also say that you are not alone, and even though today's circumstances may be frightening and the future may be uncertain, we will get through this together!
Before I continue, let me share with you an open invitation.
Within Reach is a collaborative community that shares a relentless commitment to unleash unprecedented compassion on our city in Jesus' name. If there is any way that we can care for you or your family during this time, say the word, and we will do everything possible to encourage and assist.
Now, during his most recent podcast episode, pastor Craig Groeschel said that every major crisis does two things.
Every crisis creates unexpected problems.
Every crisis creates unprecedented opportunities.
While we've already acknowledged just a handful of the problems the current crisis has created, I want to talk about the unprecedented opportunities it is revealing, and invite you to be part of what God is doing!
Now, full disclosure. Until recently, I didn't really understand what unprecedented meant until the thought hit me, "If we're going to unleash it, I better understand it," so I looked up its meaning!
Unprecedented: "Never known or done before"
I love that! We want to mobilize, all across our city, an outpouring of love and compassion so real and so rich that people look on and say, "We've never seen anyone love or care or give like this before!"
On one hand, we celebrate that it's already being done! Every day, we are hearing stories of ordinary men and women who are banding together to extend compassion through practical expressions of care and generosity.
Neighbors going door-to-door to identify and meet the needs of those confined to their homes
Church leaders expressing personal care for the most vulnerable in their congregations
Organizations partnering with public schools to provide food for young children
Local churches offering their facilities as food distribution and blood donation centers
Marketplace influencers providing support-systems for business leaders
We celebrate the extraordinary compassion currently being unleashed in our city!
At the same time, like you, we long to see more.
Which is why, in the days ahead, we want to invite you to join us in creating a wave of such unprecedented compassion that our neighbors, who call the Metro home, might get a fresh glimpse of the goodness and kindness of Jesus!
Here are THREE ways to unleash unprecedented compassion!
Go Next Door - Oftentimes, our greatest opportunity for significant impact lies just beyond our front door! God has placed you in your neighborhood and on your street for such a time as this, and there are countless ways for you to extend the love of Jesus in practical ways! For a practical resource on how to be a great neighbor, follow this link!
Commit to a Partnership - We encourage every congregation, business, and family to come alongside one organization that is currently unleashing unprecedented compassion into their neighborhoods! Here are three of the organizations that Within Reach will continue partnering with in the days ahead!
Mission Church - In three weeks, Mission has served 8,500 meals in cooperation with Franklin Elementary and will be serving 4,200/week in the days ahead. For a complete list of needs and volunteer opportunities, follow this link or visit thisismission.org.
Abide - Abide served 7,280 meals between March 18-30. That's 600 meals/day, a number that will increase by 25% in the next 30 days as they expand their partnerships to address growing needs in North Omaha's neighborhoods. For a complete list of needs and volunteer opportunities, follow this link or visit, abideomaha.org/covid19.
Council Bluffs Churches & Council Bluffs School District - Over the last three weeks, churches in Council Bluffs, led by Citylight CB, have provided over 12,000 individual meals to neighbors in the city through daily meal and weekend meal-kits. For a list of locations and needs, follow this link.
Pray for the Metro - Our Within Reach Crisis Response Team is currently exploring ways to unleash compassion toward those most impacted by the current crisis. We covet your prayers for courage and clarity, and invite to join us on our next citywide prayer call!
Citywide Prayer Call: Wednesday, April 8 @ 8AM. Join us as we pray for our city and local churches, asking God to empower his people to bring the hope and healing of Jesus to the Metro. Here is the link to register!
We are more passionate than ever about bringing the hope and healing of Jesus to our city through everyday gestures of compassion and generosity! We are grateful for your ongoing partnership and continue to cheer for you every step of the way. If we can serve you in any way, please reach us directly at info@withinreach.com.
Grateful,
Jed Mullenix
Within Reach // CEO