“Our greatest fear shouldn’t be that we won’t succeed; our greatest fear should be that we will succeed at something that doesn’t matter.” -D.L. Moody
Ever since the Life on Life Initiative was conceived, Life Leadership members around the world have been coming up with so many different creative ways to serve the less fortunate in their local communities. If you missed the post where we shared “The ‘Idea Buffet’ For Life on Life!”, click here to view some of the simple activities that one can easily implement into their daily life to make an even bigger difference than they already are…
LIFE on Life in Omaha, Nebraska
After a long work week, the majority of our population makes it a point to take the weekend to kick back and relax for some well-deserved “me” time. Thankfully, though, there are others that go right from working to support themselves and their own families–to working alongside ministries like Open Door Mission to support those who have not been able to take care of their own needs. Although the desire to help others is evident in the hearts of many, it’s those that act on that calling that truly make a difference. On July 18, 2015, an excited group of Life Leadership members in Omaha, Nebraska, did just that!
“Reminder: Join us this morning at The Open Door Mission for “Christmas in July!” If you are hurting in any area of your life, here’s a quick fix: SERVE someone who is hurting too. “Magically,” your hurt disappears. 🙂 …We will be serving food to the community that comes in as well as the individuals who are a part of their programs, and/or helping out in the other areas of their operation.” -Tim Stephens (Life Leadership Member)
Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the basic needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change, providing long-term solutions and programs that break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Founded in 1954, Open Door Mission’s campus has grown to offer 816 safe, shelter beds every night to homeless men, women and children. Daily, they serve over 2,000 hot, nutritious meals and provide preventive measures to more than 275 people living in poverty.
“Thank you, Life Leadership, for this community and the Life on Life movement. Our very first Life on Life community service at the Open Door Mission, was a great success. We had fun and made a difference. I brought my 7 year old daughter with me and she still talks about it today. :)” -Masego Kracke (Life Leadership Member)
The Life Leadership members that were able to participate in this Life on Life event cannot stop talking about how much of a blessing it was to give a “hand-up” to those among the estimated 2,000 homeless and almost 50,000 below-poverty-level individuals in the city of Omaha. Here are just a few more of the many testimonies that came out of this unassuming Saturday afternoon:
“The ‘Make Money’ portion of what we do wasn’t important that day. We went out and ‘Had Fun’ and ‘Made a Difference’! You can’t put a price tag on that! It was such a blessing to go out and do what God has called us to do. What meant a lot to me was that the other volunteers and the people we were serving could tell that there was something different about us. Outside of the glory of God, this information and this community really does help anyone stand out from the rest. Thank you Life Leadership for the Life on Life Initiative!” -Brett Stephens
“What a great way to invest our time on a Saturday afternoon! Serving those in need!! Christmas in July, that says it all… What a blessing to see the joy in the faces of our new friends finding clothing and toys that they liked and knew they could take home for free!! To see the hope in the parents eyes knowing that things will get better because there is a lot of good people out there who care, who share their love, their time, and their blessings with them. I have no doubt in my heart that we are changing the world. Life Leadership is changing the world. Through the Life on Life Initiative, we are making such an immediate impact in the lives of those who need it the most. I can’t wait to go out with my team and do it all over again!!!” -Paulina Kozycz
“…It was getting to the end of our run when I was helping carry out several large bags of food and what-not for an African American mother and her daughter. I’m not sure of their ages but the mother had a walker and could have easily been 60-70 or maybe older. Anyway, I of course–being myself–was enjoying carrying on a conversation with them and enjoying their company and making them smile. At one point in the conversation, the elderly mother said to me, ‘Mark, I want to give you something…I want to give you what my grandmother gave to me; it’s called the Blessed Kiss!’ I was a little taken back–not knowing what that was–but I was willing to accept it. I had no clue what was about to happen next. She pulled me to her, wiped my forehead, said something, and kissed my forehead. She said, ‘now I’ve given you the Blessed Kiss!’ I felt like God kissed me Himself, and I tear up now just writing this. AMAZING EXPERIENCE! All the way around! All I can say is this, ‘get out of your own way, open your heart and soul to doing something for someone else with no expectations…and countless blessings are sure to be had!’ Thank you to my Life Leadership brothers and sisters who have invited me in to be a part of a purpose wrapped around a wonderful business.” -Mark Popejoy
“The Open Door Mission Life on Life Initiative was a roaring success. We had fun and made a tremendous difference in the lives of the people that came, and met a lot of fantastic people–both on the Volunteer side and the people that were streaming through the building for the “Christmas in July” event. Hugs, tears, sharing and caring with both groups. This is the first of many events that we are planing to do in Omaha, as it was a blessing in everyone’s life.” -Tim Stephens
It’s not a surprise to hear that this Life on Life event touched those who served as much as it touched those who they went to serve. Life Leadership is proud to be associated with the members in Omaha that decided to get out of their “normal Saturday routine” and dedicate their time to leaving a mark on homelessness and poverty in their local community. Check out this fun video that Open Door Mission put together to promote their Christmas in July celebration, and make sure you leave a comment below!
Tim Stephens says
I am so humbled to be part of this business and so proud of out team!
Have fun, make money…but most importantly, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
My Dream has been re-awakened at 55. Thank you LIFE Leadership for wrapping a PURPOSE around a business. Thank you TEAM Omaha for letting me serve you!
Michele Lewis says
The video is terrific, people do need help every month of the year. The LIFE on Life initiative is a great way to encourage giving back any time. Thanks to LIFE for solidifying the “Make a Difference” part of the mission, and to the LIFE members in Omaha who went out and acted on it. Way to go!
Renee Oettinger says
Serving truly makes my heart grow. God Bless
LeTroy Andrews says
LIFE Leadership. Blessed to be a blessings.
JIm Storhok says
LIFE on Life strikes again! Nice job everyone!!
Susan Strickler says
It is incredible what can happen IN us when we focus on others and get ourselves out of the way! Nice job Omaha Life leaders!!
Mike Strickler says
We know with the information that LIFE LEADERSHIP provides we will all benefit from it in one way or another. Plus, having a vehicle to create extra or primary income (see IDS) with LIFE LEADERSHIP is a big time bonus for all that want to but when you pull & tug on the heart strings of men & women they rise to the occasion. Well done LIFE LEADERS with Christmas in July. Mike Strickler
Matthew Brent says
“Making a difference in people’s lives.” Sounds like a BRILLIANT purpose!! I love it guys!!
Cathy K says
It’s so great the founders included “Making a Difference” in the “Having Fun” and Making Money” parts of LIFE’S foundations. Congratulations for making a difference in Nebraska, and around the globe!