Mini-Extreme Home Makeover

On my one day off this week my wife woke me up at 7:00am. Now, I know for many of you this would not be a big deal, but for me it is because it is my one morning to myself and I like to re-live my college days and try to lay in bed until it's time for lunch. I tried calling this meal "brunch," but people kept thinking it was something else so I settled on "lunchfast" which I think more accurately conveys what I'm doing. So we get up and head to the Villa Heights neighborhood just East of Uptown Charlotte where a couple volunteers from Next Level Church have coordinated a Mini-Extreme Home Makeover.

It. Was. Crazy. Awesome.

The family was gracious and after we met and talked to them for a while they headed off for a weekend retreat that the church had set up for them ahead of time. And that's when the craziness really started. Ballantyne Campus Pastor Robbie McLaughlin rallied the troops with an insane imitation of Ty Pennington that was spot on right down to last detail including the high-pitched voice and metro-sexual outfit! All sorts of volunteers started ripping out flooring, sinks, and toilets in 100 degree heat. Pretty soon a huge delivery truck pulled up loaded with several thousand dollars worth of supplies.

Next Level People were there giving their time, strength, and expertise. They were Giving Themselves Away both to the family that needs to experience the love of God in a concrete way and to the God that we serve. It really is a beautiful picture. As the gospel transforms us as individuals that transformation overflows into our community. Because after all, God blesses his people so that they can be a blessing to others.