On Sunday, July 23rd, Unto Him Ministries conducted our 1st annual “Love Thy Neighbor Day” at beautiful Veteran’s Memorial Plaza in downtown Indianapolis, from 9 am – 2 pm.

The event was a success: 1,100 – 1,300 people in need were served by 100+ volunteers. These volunteers worked through less than ideal weather conditions, as the heavy rains started falling around 10:30 am.

But the beauty of the rain was that it served to illustrate to our guest that we were serious about our commitment to tend to their needs. This wasn’t a group of people just looking to check the “good deed” box, or serve a bunch of poor folks while the cameras were rolling. For those sort of fair weather servers, the rain would have served as the perfect excuse for their convenient escape.

But a funny thing happened during the 20 minutes or so of loud thunder and torrential downpour. No one left. NO ONE! Not even when we told them to!

I believe that God will sometimes test our true resolve, when it comes to serving His people, and generally doing His work. If that was the case last Sunday, I believe that 100+ volunteers passed with flying colors!

We have all witnessed - and in some cases, been directly victimized by - the continued increase of violence in our community over the last several years, along with a greater preponderance of apathy, and a perceived (or likely, real) lack of concern and compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters. “Love Thy Neighbor Day” was designed to show the entire Indianapolis community that there are still those that care – with Christ-like love and compassion.

Mission Accomplished!

I have attached only a few pictures from the event last Sunday. None of them capture the true expanse, enormity, and magnitude of what actually took place. However, my favorite is the picture of the 3 people, privately praying together. For me, this picture captures exactly what I envisioned and hoped “Love Thy Neighbor Day” would turn out to be, and stand for:

The picture shows 3 faceless people - 2 white, one black - 2 likely from the comforts of suburbia, the other likely from the drudgery of homelessness - all 3 still drenched from the downpouring of rain - all 3 quietly praying together. There is no commonality here, other than a humble desire to petition God to address unmet needs. There are no identifiable faces here, just an identifiable action. This is the true illustration of “Love Thy Neighbor Day”, this is the true essence of Unto Him Ministries – no faces, just Godly action!

Thanks again to all who participated in, prayed for, and/or were blessed by this event. This year we tried to model what truly loving thy neighbor looks like. Next year we’ll be asking the entire Indianapolis community to follow our lead.