grateful for our interns

BY CHAQUANA TOWNSEND

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

As we begin the fall and the newest semester of the After School Program, I think about the amazing summer we just left, and especially, with the group of summer interns we had. The Lord did more than we could ever think, imagine, or even dream of this summer by sending us amazing, godly interns. The 2015 interns from Campus Outreach and other places served our kids and community so well this summer. I can honestly say, these interns loved our kids - really loved our kids. As we all know, children stretch you in so many ways and tend to push you over the edge. However, as I saw them struggle, wrestle, and ask the Lord and CGM staff for wisdom regarding the kids, I witnessed their desire to persevere and honor God in every way. I praise God for sending us these specific interns as such a time as this.

Every moment, difficult conversation, social event, and hang out time was an absolute joy! Even when I had to address them or point out an area of growth, it was received with much respect and grace. I am so thankful for Campus Outreach, and their willingness and obedience to serve alongside the CGM this summer! I am extremely excited for the next summer because of how well this summer went. These interns have done a job well done, and they will be truly missed!

View fullsize

To the 2015 summer interns:

Thank you for all you did this summer in loving and serving our kids, community, and staff. You were a gift to our lives as well as the children and parents. Thank you for doing above and beyond what you were asked, and thank you for being a godly influence and presence this summer. Your obedience to the Father will impact generations to come, and may God bless you for living out what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. I adore all of you, and we hope to see you again one day!    

volunteer thank you video 2015

It takes a lot of people to make organizations like Common Ground Montgomery and House to House work, and it takes a lot of volunteers to help make a difference with the work that CGM and H2H is a part of in the Washington Park neighborhood. Thanks to all the volunteers, official and unofficial, that help us do the work that we do.

a lesson learned

BY C.J. JACKSON

The heftiest Alaskan Bull Moose with the largest and strongest antlers often triumphs during the fall breeding season. However, it is what the animal consumes during the summer months that allow it to bulk up for betterment. Consequently, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer.

During the course of our Summer Camp at Common Ground Montgomery, we believe the same to be true with our kids. We strive to incorporate a good balance of academic work and contagious fun nearly every day of the week. We have created a curriculum that sharpens math and reading skills. In addition, there are countless electives and field trips that take learning beyond the classroom — allowing for an education that is hands-on and memorable!  

You see, we know that the fall season will be upon us before we know it — in fact, we only have one month remaining in the Summer Camp — bringing with it all of the challenges of a brand new school year. And the fight for passing grades and the hard work needed for success in learning will not catch us off guard. Why? Because we know what the Alaskan Bull Moose has taught us; namely, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer!

Please pray for our team — staff and interns — and our youth, as well, as we push on with the remaining weeks of the summer.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

rivers of love

BY CHAQUANA TOWNSEND

This past weekend I, along with 5 interns, had the privilege of going to Camp Chandler with the 1st through 3rd grade children. We spent 3 days in the backwoods of Wetumpka with young children who were excited yet ready to break free from structure. This past weekend was fun, challenging, and sanctifying, but one thing stands out the most in my heart: despite the challenges and difficulties of the weekend, my love only grows for the children I work with.

As a single woman, I get to participate in training up a child in the ways of the Lord. I get a glimpse of the labor, pain, and joys of being a parent as I work with children on a regular basis. It blows my mind how my heart will do anything to see them prosper, to see them thrive, to see them really walk with the Lord. However, as I think of the God-given love I have for these children,  I think about how much God loves me and stops at nothing to see me blossom and prosper in Him.

When I think about the faces of the babies I work with, my heart leaps for joy. They have literally changed my life and continue to push me towards the Lord. Moreover, I see more of God's love for me because He stops at nothing to pursue me and capture my heart. My love for the children I work with is imperfect and flawed, but His love is perfect. He never gives up on me and nothing can pluck me from His hand. He separates my sin as far as the east is from the west. He offers forgiveness when I turn to Him instead of condemnation. He shows kindness instead of impatience. My imperfect human love for the little ones is just a small glimpse of God's overwhelming love for me!!

The children remind me that God is fighting for me as I fight for them. They remind me that I am a sinner and need of a Savior because of my flawed perspective. I am constantly reminded that God is a loving Father,  yet His discipline is for my good. I am reminded daily that God is a Father whose love flows like a river; it never runs out. As Job so eloquently put, "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes..." (Job 42:5).

I see God in so many ways, and it pushes me to repent and turn to Him. I am so thankful for His amazing, overflowing love, and the conduit of the children at CGM to see it.

learning from those i'm teaching

BY SUMMER WILLIAMS

I write this blog post today as a volunteer of Common Ground Montgomery, not an employee. I volunteer to teach bible study to 5th grade girls every Wednesday evening. It's just an hour and my group of girls is very small. It doesn't seem very significant as I type it out. One hour a week with a few girls. No big deal.

But it is.

At least to me it is. I can honestly say that I don't know if what I am going over is sticking with them. Do they hear my prayers specifically for each of them? Are they learning anything about the gospel? Am I sharing it accurately and to the best of my ability? These are all the questions I ask myself every Wednesday when I leave.

While I want them to learn new things about Christ and His love for them, the things they are teaching me are profound and deep. I am being taught something new every week through my interactions with these young ladies. Some weeks they teach me patience and some weeks they blow my mind with their comprehension of the gospel and how they are living it out at home and school.

Recently, we shared with one another about some of the darkest times in our lives and if we felt Christ's presence in those moments. I didn't expect to hear some of the horrific things I did from such young, innocent girls: a father in prison, feelings of abandonment, loss of family members, the list goes on and on.

I was speechless. And yet through their explanation of these events in their lives they proceeded to tell me about how they experienced the love of God in the midst of such devastation. What!?! I am 33 years old and still learning how to seek God in the dark moments of life. How did they do that? How can they explain these painful moments and then tell me that they have experienced the presence of Lord in the midst of it all? How can they still remain so hopeful? In that moment, it felt like I was talking to seasoned, Christian women, not 5th grade girls.

I go to CGM to teach them but they are teaching me. They are reminding of what childlike faith looks like and where real hope is found. I am so thankful for their wisdom and the things they share with me. I am learning so much about our Savior through these young girls. I see Him in them.