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| Mr. Dodson's house - BEFORE |
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| Mr. Dodson in front of his house AFTER |
The heartbeat of our ministry is to see lasting change in
lives, in communities, and in our city that results in beauty and restoration
in the context of relationship and responsible care. There is nothing that illustrates
this vision for healthy transformation better than these “before-and-after”
pictures of Mr. Dodson’s house.
We have been sharing this story for the past few months of
how we came to know Mr. Dodson and were able to step into a very difficult and
seemingly hopeless situation. We were finally blessed to dedicate the house for
God’s glory on September 15th with dozens of individual, City and
corporate partners who had helped financially and with volunteer labor and were
there to join hands in unity, prayer and celebration!
This extremely well-crafted make-over was carefully executed
by multiple teams of people motivated by God’s love. So many of you
volunteered, contributed and have been involved in bringing the dream of a
reconstructed, retro-fitted and refurnished home for Mr. Dodson to life. The
original condition of his house was so dire, the city inspector had declared it
should be condemned. Now that same house is effectively brand new from top to
bottom, with new siding, a re-engineered roof structure, and a completely
remodeled interior.
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| Mr. Dodson surrounded by his new family in the Lord during the dedication |
Mr. Dodson is also a before-and-after picture of the grace
and provision of God. When we encountered Mr. Dodson, he was alone and
extremely discouraged. During the process of assessing, demolishing and rebuilding
his house, CSM team members were there almost every day for months. Randy,
Aaron, and Tracy advocated for him and spoke into his life. Mr. Dodson has been
well loved by groups and individuals who came from far and wide to help CSM with
this multi-layered project. He has encountered true believers in his own
community. He has seen city officials and inspectors react with amazement to
the process and results of this project. His house has effectively lifted his
whole neighborhood, and he is beginning to see how he can reach out to others.
Mr. Dodson has a new sense of hope and purpose, and a new connection to
community and the family of God.
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| Mr. Dodson overwhelmed with emotion on move-in day |
We think there is a significant difference between having a
front row seat and being a part of the action… effecting change. We are on
mission to mobilize and empower you to be on mission. We walk together,
bringing you along with us— in the action and mobilized to empower and impact
lives! You are helping to make things happen with hands-on assistance and with
your financial support.
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| Volunteers came from far and wide, ready for prayer and action |
Isaiah
58:10-12 TLB
Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Your sons will rebuild the long-deserted ruins of your cities, and you will be known as “The People Who Rebuild Their Walls and Cities.”
