Operation Overcoat is a street fair outreach event put on by Union Gospel Mission the last Saturday of every September. Our desire is to provide needed items for those in need by giving away clothing, boots, blankets, hygiene items, and many other needed things. We feed them an awesome bbq lunch (and they are allowed to eat as much as they want!) We provide an awesome 'program' of music, dance, and sharing the love of Christ.
Okay, so now you know a little bit of what it is... but really, that doesn't even begin to explain it. There's no way to describe in words what the experience is like... but I will try, a little.
Daryn and I arrived early to work with the set up team on the stage and sound system. When we arrived at 7 AM, the place was already crazy with volunteers setting up the various areas that we would use, (we shut down most of 3rd in front of the mission, and half of Couch.)
By 9 AM the Medical Teams International Dental Van is seeing patients, and we are waiting for our first band, One Way Street, to arrive. We had a few glitches in set up and started the program a little late, but hey... things happen! SPO got the party started with a great dance to 123 Praise, follow by One Way Street who were great! Our audience loved them!
Laura McGreevey, along with her husband Kris and bass player, Dan, shared amazing songs of hope and love. I was overwhelmed as I watched both Kris and Laura sharing and praying with people when they finished playing.
SPO jumped back on stage next with a 'dance' to 'Losin My Way' by Justin Timberlake. I watched as so many in our audience were moved by this awesome song and the story that was being told through dance...
Justin Klump and his band were up next and wow... what a great band! Their album releases November 11... WATCH FOR IT!
Two of our LifeChange graduates, Doug Quinney and Lori Nelson, shared an awesome time of worship... and then, just to close the day... SPO gave us one more chance to praise God with 123 Praise.
Throughout the day, somewhere around 1800 to 2,000 needy people were able to have at least some of their needs met. We were saddened to run out of diapers and men's clothes. Socks are always a huge need; and we discovered that offering things like baby wipes to help with hygiene would be awesome!
For me... it was just an incredible blessing to be a part of such an amazing day. Led by our LifeChange team, run by awesome volunteers, and received by those who's needs are greatest in our own city.
No comments:
Post a Comment