Labor Day weekend has been set aside for our “Labor of Love” project. Many years ago I took advantage of the long weekend to introduce others to serving their community. This will be our first “Labor of Love” project for North River.

We have selected the Buckhorn Family Services in Kentucky as this year’s project. For the past five years North River has spearheaded the Mission Serve Project there. We have put on new roofs, stained cabins, laid flooring, and ministered to the girls and boys. Every year we have watched as God moved and had the privilege of baptizing those who responded to God’s call. It is definitely a “Labor of Love.”

It is a “Labor of Love” because so many have sacrificially given. We have raised over $5,500. Students who have been to the Mission Serve projects gave $5 and $10 each. Members of North River pitched in with some larger donations. Friends and family members of those who have been to Buckhorn also gave. So far we have paid for two staff members to attend some training events on dealing with autism, bought needed sensory items (crash pads, sensory boards), and will be purchasing paint for the school and lumber for benches.

Others have given by donating dvd’s, shirts, toys, books, pillows and games. We say thank you to all who have given.

It is a “Labor of Love” because so many are taking their long holiday weekend to serve. We have 17 who will be traveling to Kentucky to paint, install sensory items, organize, and, of course, interact with the boys. They will all be sleeping in a vacant cabin and work as a team to serve the needs. One friend is even flying into Atlanta on Thursday night to join us as we travel on Friday. Those who have been to Buckhorn love the campus and the kids who live there. They believe that God has opened this door for them to serve.

It is a “Labor of Love” because of the staff and residents. We can’t wait to see Billy, Phillip and Tammy in the administration. Gary and Robin in the kitchen. Tanya and Jonathan who are the cabin managers. Kenny the maintenance guy. Time and space will not allow me to express our love for the boys. We look forward to baptizing Nathan on Sunday morning and possibly worshipping along side our very special friends.

It is a “Labor of Love” because those who cannot go will be praying for those who can go. The body of Christ has never been isolated into one location. One part of the body may be here while the other part is there–and yet we remain one body. In our worship service at North River this Sunday we hope to share some video of the work being done and part of the worship service in Buckhorn. We want everyone to feel they are a part of our “Labor of Love.”

Pat Cash will be the teacher this Sunday morning during our time of worship. You will not want to miss any part of our “Labor of Love” weekend.

This is my story…