Dear Church Family,

I love our city. Save for one year, Houston has been my home my entire life. I’ve seen it grow and have witnessed God’s merciful hand at work through both heartache and joy. It’s diverse, welcoming, and you can’t beat Houston cuisine!

Recently, I learned of another way Houston now stands out, though not in a way we’d hope. Our city now ranks number one among the ten largest U.S. cities in poverty.

• 21.2% of Houstonians live below the federal poverty line, more than any other major city.
• 31.7% of Houston’s children live in poverty, the highest rate in the country.

These numbers are sobering. They should open our eyes as followers of Jesus to the many unseen needs all around us. But I’m grateful that, at CityRise, we get to support local ministries working faithfully to lift lives in our own neighborhoods.

Here are just a few of those ministries. If one stirs your heart, I encourage you to learn more and consider volunteering:

• Project One Day helps provide free, faith-based childcare through a cooperative model that lifts families right here in Houston. If you’re willing to serve and love caring for kids, volunteer here.

• The Sanctuary Foster Care Services comes alongside foster families with Christlike support through “Trust-Based Relational Intervention” and “Wraparound Services.” A simple way to jump in right now is by preparing freezer meals; you can also serve in ongoing support roles. Volunteer here.

• Oak Forest Foster Closet aims to reduce stress for foster, adoptive, and kinship families through donations, host family shopping hours, or assist at community events. Volunteer here.

• Agape Development invests in our neighbors in Houston’s Third Ward through discipleship and community programs that have been transforming lives for twenty years. They especially need help for their 20th Birthday Bash as well as regular volunteer roles. Volunteer here.

• Casa El Buen Samaritano offers Christ-centered, free medical and dental care to those in need. Whether you have clinical skills or can serve in non-clinical ministry or administrative roles, your presence brings hope. Volunteer here.

Celina Pena, our CityRise Local Missions Director, collaborates with each of these ministries and many more. She puts it this way: “Do you remember a time when you felt alone and without? A time where you just needed a little help? If you are now in a different stage of life to help those in need and be the hands and feet of God, be a part of our Local Missions volunteer team. Together we can make a real difference—we just need you and your willing heart.”

We long to see our city rise through the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus. Will you answer the call to serve our neighbors? Visit our Local Missions page for more opportunities.

Have a great weekend, Church Family. We’ll see you on Sunday!

 
Stay Expectant,
Pastor Roger


PS Don’t forget about another direct and simple way you can serve: our latest Blood Drive this Monday, October 6 at CityRise Bellaire. You can schedule your donation time easily right now online.