This is a guest post from Megan Hill. I asked her to send me something reflecting on this year’s Convoy of Hope, and this is what she sent.
I participated the last time Convoy was here, in 2016, but in a different capacity. I was a volunteer, but only on the day of the event in the Connections area. This year was an entirely new, and eye opening, experience for me as I was recruited onto the leadership team about 6 weeks prior to the event. The majority of the leadership team had begun preparations 18 months ago, and the time, energy, and effort they put into making this event so spectacular makes my eyes pop. I’m already committed to 2020 when Convoy of Hope returns to Lafayette for the 3rd time. The impact of this one-day-every-two-years scenario is just too good to pass up. God is blessing these events time and again because volunteers are actively living Philippians 2:3-4 which says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”.
On October 13, 2018, 648 volunteers served 1578 guests of honor. Our Connections volunteers got to pray with 939 people and 21 of those individuals accepted Christ as their Savior and King! Over 200 people requested follow-up from one of the 14 churches represented in the Connections area (20 churches participated overall). Our Grocery volunteers handed out 4972 bags stuffed full of food and 3000 meals were enjoyed on-site. Nearly 200 haircuts were given, 175 family portraits were taken, and 360 guests received various health services. Bike helmets were givens away, as were booster car seats. Job and Career Services met with 870 guests and the National Breast Cancer Foundation was able to serve 549 women. Shoes were distributed to 1560 guests and Veterans Services served 151 guests.
Last Saturday, lives were changed. Not all of them, not even most of them. In fact, for most, it was more likely a day of free stuff that is helpful, maybe even a “hand up” as Convoy refers to it. But for 21 souls, Saturday was the day they became new creations. They began a relationship with Jesus Christ because they saw His love and mercy time and again as they traveled through the fairgrounds. By the time they were offered prayer before heading to finally grab some groceries, they were convinced that their hearts and lives needed change, and that the way to that eternal, everlasting change, was through God’s Son. I am confident that every volunteer would say that all of our efforts, early morning setup, late afternoon tear down, sore feet, and tired eyes, were worth it for those 21 new additions to the Kingdom. I can’t wait to do it again LCC!
Thanks Megan!