LOVE IS WHY WEEK

March 23 - 30

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What's it all about?

GOD IS FOR YOU!

We don’t do something unless we have a reason for doing it. The reason why we do what we do is simple… love.

Jesus came to us as our Savior, died on the cross to extinguish our sin, and rose again in power over death because of his love for us! That great love is why we chose everyday to love God and to love others. Love is why.

Because we’re fueled by love, we don’t live under a fear that makes us feel that we have to be perfect and we won’t stand for others to live under that fear either. Grounded in Truth, we’re honest about who we are and who we want to be while giving ourselves and others grace in the in-between. Everything that we do begins and ends with love.

At ChristWay church, we are who we are because Jesus is who He is. The Love Is Why movement is really all about him, and we’d rather be known by Jesus’ name than any other name both here in Chattanooga and around the world. Love is why.

Here at ChristWay, we celebrate Easter in a big way! “Love Is Why” Week is from March 23rd to March 30th!

Love Is Why week is about embodying the love of Jesus and sharing it with others. We’re committed to being the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, sharing a kind word with a stranger, or simply extending a gesture of love to those around you, we want to invite you to join us in showering our community with acts of kindness, compassion, and, most importantly, sharing the love of Jesus.

Here are some easy practical ways you can share the love of Jesus with others:

  • Bring a box of donuts, cookies, or treats to share with your colleagues at work.
  • Surprise someone by paying for their order in the drive-through line behind you.
  • Visit a laundromat and leave quarters with a “LOVE IS WHY” card.
  • Leave a generous tip for your server at a restaurant to brighten their day.
  • Extend kindness to a stranger by covering the cost of their entire purchase at Walmart or the grocery store.
  • Share treats with local heroes by bringing them to a fire station, a hospital ICU waiting room, or to someone who’s homebound.
  • Lift spirits in the workplace by writing encouraging notes for your coworkers.
  • Offer assistance to those in need by doing yard work for elderly individuals or those who are unable to do it themselves.
  • Provide support by cooking a comforting meal for someone facing difficulties.
  • Give back to your community by volunteering at a local ministry or organization.
  • Leave water and snacks on your porch or in your mailbox to show appreciation for delivery drivers and mail carriers.
  • Spread joy to neighbors, especially those who may not attend church, by leaving a box of treats and a “LOVE IS WHY” card on their doorstep.
  • Host a clothing or food drive and donate the collected items to a homeless shelter or a family in need.
  • Offer to run errands or provide transportation for someone unable to do so themselves, such as an elderly neighbor or someone with mobility challenges.
  • Create care packages with essential items such as toiletries, snacks, and handwritten notes of encouragement, then distribute them to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in your area.

Stories

Gratitude
Gratitude

I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Christway. I recently found refuge there after escaping an abusive relationship while pregnant. The support I’ve received has been overwhelming and truly life-changing. Unlike previous experiences, Christway has embraced me and my situation wholeheartedly, providing practical help and a sense of belonging. From temporary housing to donations and emotional support, the community at Christway has been instrumental in helping me and my children through this challenging time.

Moreover, the impact of Christway’s kindness extends beyond our immediate needs. By sharing my story, I’ve seen loved ones in Pennsylvania strengthen their faith and even had a friend rediscover their connection to church. It’s a testament to the power of compassion and support in expanding God’s kingdom.

I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone at Christway for being a beacon of hope in my darkest moments. Your kindness and generosity have not only helped me but have also touched the lives of many others. Thank you for standing with me during this chapter of my life.

The Power of Prayer
The Power of Prayer

I walked into ChristWay with my Toddler during a season of change in January and I actually had reached out for prayer when I first attended due to my family situation. In June I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and again reached out for prayer because yet again myself and my toddler were entering another change. My surgery was scheduled for July 24th and I attended service on July 23rd. I was invited to the Living Room for the elders to pray over me before surgery. As soon as I walked into the Living Room I almost cried because the room was filled with people I’d never met before and they were there for me! The Elders and Pastor anointed and prayed over me. I was at complete peace. It was such a beautiful thing that everyone did for me…..a complete stranger. ChristWay really did show me Love is Why. Praise Report – the lymph nodes they tested live during surgery tested negative for Cancer.

Sharing The Love of Jesus with Clifton Hills Elementary
Sharing The Love of Jesus with Clifton Hills Elementary

Love Is Why as a church we have worked to make a significant difference in the lives of the teachers, staff, and students at Clifton Hills Elementary School. As a gathering, we have chosen to “adopt” this impoverished school to share the love of Christ in tangible ways.  We have gathered sweatshirt gifts for every student, we’ve attended parent teacher conferences and translated, we’ve hosted holiday parties and provided snacks and school supplies.  We as a gathering continue to try to meet the needs of this school right here in Chattanooga.

Learning my worth
Learning my worth

I struggle with PTSD from a very traumatic childbirth a month before Covid shut the world down and becoming very sick days afterwards. I almost died twice. I got deeper into depression and anxiety and PTSD. It didn’t take long for me to consider and attempt suicide twice, very publicly. I was arrested and sent to the mental hospital where I received treatment. I ended up going to mental health treatment centers four times over the last two years. But through beginning to come to Christway, I have learned my worth, how deserving I am to be here and how to cope with my myriad of stresses. I am commonly found in the living room discussing my journey. I was baptized and saved in June of 2021 and since then I have felt a joy that I cannot even begin to explain in words. My God has been so good to me and has forgiven my sins every time and I am so blessed for the support of all of my friends at church. I would be willing to share this testimony during the church sermons if it is deemed appropriate. I feel I have a very emotional, relatable and powerful testimony that could resonate with others who are in similar boats.

A little touch of Heaven
A little touch of Heaven

It was a little touch from heaven because what this person doesn’t know is that I have struggled with depression and PTSD this past year and been in a pretty dark place again recently. I’ve needed God to show me that He is working even when it feels like my world around me is crashing. So, thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ and listening to a prompting to pay for our drinks tonight because you paid for so much more than that.

God Connects People
God Connects People

An elderly gentleman on oxygen who had been a victim of the tornado, sobbed as our team tore down the destroyed playground in his yard. It had been crushed by trees and was irreparable. He was devastated as he thought that he might not get to see his granddaughter play any longer. As he wept, the team placed the damaged structure by the road….BUT GOD…had another plan! This week, our team was able to return to that home and rebuild a playset and fill the sandbox so the grandchildren could once again play! Don’t you just love how God connects people to one another and is interested in even the seemingly little things?

It was a gift that saved my children from being cold!
It was a gift that saved my children from being cold!

I am a single mother of 4 and I work 2 jobs to support my household and I am very grateful that I am able to do so. As my second job I work in a local restaurant as a server. I had a table of 6 adults that were seated in my section. I gave them good service but did not expect what they did for me. They gave me a Christmas card with a substantial amount of money in it and told me to have a Merry Christmas. They were gone before I could get back to their table to thank them. With their gift I was able to buy my children winter clothes and coats. I’ve been working 70 hours a week and was still not able to do this on my own. I wish I knew who they were because I would love to thank them in person and let them know their gift saved my children from being cold this winter and took a weight off my shoulder I was not able to lift myself. I dont know why they chose me, maybe they could see the exhaustion in my eyes or how hard I was working. Maybe they were told by God I was the one. Whatever it was, it has changed my life.

Share your story!

We want to hear your LOVE IS WHY story.

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