Go for the ONE

In 2017, my family and I joined an incredible ministry here in Stockbridge. We knew little of the beautiful surroundings, incredible history, or lovely people. We knew that God had called us here. During my interview with the church elders, I discovered a loving group passionate about serving God and their community. This feeling of love resonated in the congregation and was demonstrated in a welcoming family atmosphere, in which no one was an outsider. We were immediately accepted and loved as though we had been here forever.

Now the real work began. It was time to set a course and begin a journey together. The elders and I started talking about our purpose, values, hopes, and dreams. We learned by observing, questioning, and serving alongside each other. After a year, we discovered seven values that we hold and wanted to continue to grow in our family.

1) Family

2) Prayer

3) Development

4) Love

5) Affirmation

6) Community

7) Worship

These values were evident in our families and resonated with each of us. We began crafting a mission statement. Jesus himself had given the Great Commission for us to reach the world around us. For the past two and a half years, we have been experimenting with various phrases and words that would honor God’s call and cradle our mission and values. Nothing seemed to capture our attention. Then one day, I was listening to the testimony of Congressional Medal of Honor and WWII hero Desmond Doss. I was moved to tears by his prayer to help his wounded brothers. He saved 75 wounded soldiers on Okinawa. His simple prayer was, “Lord, please help me get one more, one more.” As I reflected on his sacrifice, I began to think about what it would be like if we, as believers, would go into the world around us with the same passion and prayer. Little did I know that this thought would be the seed that became our mission statement, “Go for the ONE.”

Join us this month as we dive into what it means to us to “Go for the ONE.”