On May 30th, two dozen members of Helena First Assembly of God came and led the children and staff in several “get to know you” games, a rousing softball game, and treated the whole campus to an amazing BBQ dinner. The event was coordinated by church members Betti Hill and Pam Longmire, and Ken Holman provided the excellent dinner—barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs, salads, fruit, and trays of delicious desserts! As if that weren’t enough, the church also purchased a 6-burner Gas grill for our Therapeutic Afterschool and Summer Support program!
There is a passage in scripture where the writer, James, is trying to make a point about the relationship between what we say we believe and how that belief is translated into action. Apparently, there were some that reasoned that because they were strong in faith, their faith didn’t need to result in good works. James answered that argument by putting forth his own reasoning—“Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds!” (James 2:18, NLT). While good deeds never earn us any merit in God’s sight, they can certainly be a sign that God has done a work in our hearts—turning us from being inward-focused and selfish in our leanings, to those that consider the needs of others.
I love working with churches like Helena First, who understand the joy that comes from linking Christian faith with good deeds. It is a privilege to be used by God to help others and encourage one another. Certainly, our day of recreation and fellowship was an encouragement to both the members of the church that participated and the children, staff, and families of Intermountain. I look forward to more opportunities like this one to continue to grow in relationship with one another, and appreciate all Helena First Assembly of God has done for Intermountain.
Perhaps your church or civic group is interested in volunteering or coming up to Intermountain for a day of recreation, service, or fellowship? I’d be more than happy to talk about the possibilities with you!
–Chaplain Chris Haughee
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