I know I’ve been really quiet for July… but that’s because it was SPLASH Bartow last week. This was my seventh year helping with the photography team and the 11th year since its start in 2008. SPLASH stands for Show People Love and Share Him.
SPLASH began when a group of youth pastors were sitting around one day talking about what if…
From that one meeting, SPLASH has grown to over 400 students and 350 adult volunteers working to Show People Love and Share Him.
For three days students from 6th to 12th grade, “SPLASH” Bartow county with service projects, everything from building handicap ramps to backyard Bible clubs, to yard work, and everything in between.
It starts with worship on Tuesday night. During the day the students work and each evening is worship and teaching. These kids work HARD. It’s not easy, simple work.
THIS IS JULY IN GEORGIA people! It’s HOT!
But that doesn’t stop 400+ teenagers each year who pay a fee to participate. I have never been prouder of a group of people – seeing these kids each year giving up part of their summer to show Bartow County what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Our Christian walk… It’s messy, hot, and often dirty work.
Something I think more seasoned Christians tend to forget. I know I do!
One of the best things- you don’t have to be a teen to participate. I’ve seen men in their sixties showing teens how to hold a hammer, older ladies sitting in the prayer room, covering the teens in prayer while they worship. Adults who work during the day, but show up each evening to serve dinner, wash t-shirts, and provide security until the late hours of the morning.
During SPLASH, I see Ephesians 5: 1-2 WALKED OUT EVERY JULY by hundreds of people, young and old.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. NASB
SPLASH – Not just one week a year…
Bartow county sees this verse working every day of the year, SPLASH only helps spread it around.
2018’s SPLASH is over, but that doesn’t mean the work of Show People Love and Share Him is done. It’s a 365, 24/7 job every Christian should take part in. Step in to be the hands and feet of Christ for someone- a neighbor, a lady in line at the grocery store with upset kids, the grumpy waiter who’s having a bad day.
SPLASH will be back next year and we’d love to have help. If you’re interested in learning more, please check out the website.
But for now, SPLASH someone around you!
I talk about SPLASH in my first novel, Restoring Grace.
Until next time, may God’s grace surround you,
