Today’s online version of the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch has a heartwarming story about GBIM’s Vicky DeArmey and the new Capital Grace church plant in Columbus. Here is an excerpt–read the full story by clicking here.
Some congregants at Capital City Grace Church – among them a custodian, a social worker and a college student – don’t have much money to spend, nor does the church itself. For three years, its members – who include the DeArmeys – have worshipped in a movie theater at the Arena Grand.
On a recent snowy Sunday, they gathered in a meeting room; turned on the Christmas music; and, over chili and broccoli soup, wrapped the toys, clothes and toiletries purchased for the Lindseys.
As a Communities in Schools caseworker, Julie Miller – the wife of a copastor – had shared a few details to help the donors visualize the recipients of each gift as they shopped.
One volunteer placed household supplies not in a plastic bag but in a red leather tote, thinking Jihree could use something feminine in a house full of boys. Another picked up sports equipment that the family hadn’t sought, imagining Ferrel playing catch with his sons. For co-pastor Larry Totzke and his wife, Sylvia, thoughts of the family dynamics even applied to underwear. They visited two stores in search of identical pairs of boxers, not wanting the brothers to fight over the colors and patterns.
“It’s a gift; you want it to be special,” said Sylvia, 62, of Italian Village. “When you know the back story, that family becomes real.”