Hodgesville Holiness

Sometimes life throws a curveball, and today was one of those days.

Part of our team spent the day preparing a home for a DSS family who needed to get out of the heat. Four members of our team rolled up their sleeves and worked with joyful hearts to transform the space. They cleaned two bedrooms, deep-cleaned bathrooms, and cleared out a room that had become a storage area so it could once again be used as a place of rest.

The sweetest moment came when the little girl staying there with her grandmother saw her newly prepared room. She immediately climbed onto her bed, jumping up and down with pure excitement and joy. That simple moment reminded us that ministry isn't always found in the big, visible projects. Sometimes it's found in making a house feel like a home and giving a child a safe place to smile again.

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." — Hebrews 13:16

Another part of our team spent the day packing food bags that will be distributed to families throughout the week. They quickly formed an assembly line, and before long everyone had found their rhythm. With smiles, teamwork, and plenty of hard work, they packed what seemed like hundreds of large grocery-store-sized boxes filled with food.

Each box represents more than just a meal—it represents hope, care, and the reminder that someone sees and loves them. It was incredible to watch our team faithfully serve behind the scenes, knowing that every bag packed will help bless a family in our community.

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed." — Proverbs 19:17

The students are take ownership of their faith. Every morning and evening they gather as a large group to work through their PPM devotional, taking turns leading the discussion, reading Scripture, and encouraging one another.

A question we ask each day is, "Where did you see God today?" It's amazing to hear how God reveals Himself—not just through the big moments, but in conversations, acts of kindness, answered prayers, and opportunities to serve.

Last nights devotion centered on Philippians 1:21, reminding us that our lives are meant to point to Christ in everything we do. Whether we're painting walls, packing food, cleaning homes, or simply loving our neighbors, we want others to see Jesus through us.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." — Philippians 1:21

These moments around God's Word are helping these students grow—not only as servants, but as disciples who are learning to recognize God's presence every single day.

Not every act of service is seen, but every act of service matters.

Two members of our team took on the task of cleaning and organizing dozens of storage bins that will be used to store clothing, food, and other essential items. It may not have been the most glamorous job, but their willingness to tackle this project will make it so much easier for volunteers to find what they need and serve families more efficiently for months to come.

Sometimes the smallest tasks create the biggest impact. Ministry isn't always about being in the spotlight—it's about faithfully serving wherever there's a need.

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." — Luke 16:10

Today, a stack of clean bins became another way to love our neighbors well. Every task, no matter how small, can be done for the glory of God.

Tuesday our team took on the important task of sorting clothing by size, turning what looked like piles of donations into an organized resource for families in the community. Every shirt folded, every pair of shoes matched, and every bin filled means someone will be able to find exactly what they need with dignity and ease.

It may seem like a behind-the-scenes job, but serving isn't always about being seen—it's about faithfully meeting needs with willing hands and joyful hearts. We're grateful for a team that embraced every task, knowing that even the smallest acts of service can make a lasting impact.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." — Colossians 3:23

After a full day of serving alongside our partners at Facts of Life Church in there Tabor City site, our team could have called it a night. Instead, we had the opportunity to join another partnering church for dinner and hung out at Vacation Bible School for a little while.

Even with tired bodies, our team showed up with joyful hearts—sharing a meal together, and encouraging children as they learned about Jesus. It's a beautiful reminder that ministry isn't just about the work we accomplish; it's also about building relationships with fellow believers and investing in the next generation.

Days like these leave us physically tired, but spiritually refreshed. We are grateful for every opportunity God gives us to serve, worship, and grow together.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

Wednesday

WoW!! What an incredible day of serving!

This team truly showed up and showed out. Before the workday began, cars were already lining up around 8:30 a.m., waiting to receive food, a powerful reminder of the community's ongoing needs.

After spending Monday and Tuesday sorting donations into categories—and even unloading and organizing another truck Wednesday morning—the team was ready. They strated loading early and worked until after 2:00 p.m., they worked tirelessly, pausing only a brief hydration break before jumping right back into serving.

Together, they distribute food to more than 300, loading each with essentials including bread, rice, cheese, canned goods, cucumbers, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, pet food, paper towels. Every bag packed and box lifted became an opportunity to tangibly show the love of Christ.

The gratitude expressed by those receiving food was overwhelming. Several team members had the privilege of praying with those who received food as they came through the long car line, offering not only physical nourishment but spiritual encouragement.

A favorite takeaway from the day -

Before the distribution began, Pastor Daisy gathered everyone, singing and praying over a megaphone. She shared the hope found in Jesus Christ and reminded everyone of the importance of a personal relationship with Him. It was a beautiful moment that set the tone for the entire day.

No single picture can capture the sweat poured from every volunteer under the summer heat, but it also can't fully capture the joy, laughter, and servant hearts that filled the day. Even after hours of lifting, loading, and serving, the team never lost its energy or its smiles.

While we labored, a team prepared a meal for us.

This verse has been used a lot this summer and holds so much power about how the work is ongoing

"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9