As I stepped off the shuttle bus at Hadley Park, I could hear the joyous roar of laughter. I could feel the speakers’ vibrations as they resounded gospel music. And I could smell grilled hotdogs just waiting to be consumed. Immediately, I thought, “This is going to be a great day.”
Two Churches–One Mission
I walked across the field to be a part of the We’re Better Together event, a partnership between Brentwood Baptist Church and Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Going on its third year, the back-to-school and healthcare outreach event drew the multitudes in for a common cause: the well-being of the local community. The day featured fun activities for kids, with face painting, inflatables, and music presentations. Also, health screenings for breast cancer and kidney disease, CPR training, and more were provided for everyone present. The highlight of the event was the distribution of 2,500 backpacks filled with supplies for the upcoming school year. Over 400 volunteers joined in unity to bring joy and share hope with the community.
Voices from The Community
One volunteer from Mt. Zion Baptist mentioned, “I came to this event last year and was truly moved by the dedication and love shown and shared by all. It’s a great way to unite the community. As soon as volunteer positions opened for this year, I made sure I would be here to serve my neighbor.”
When discussing the We’re Better Together event, Bishop Joseph Walker of Mount Zion Baptist said, “Today, our goal is that families will come together in unity and be blessed by this event. We want everyone to have fun and to enjoy the company of one another.” Pastor Mike Glenn of Brentwood Baptist agreed and commented, “It’s a real privilege to be here with Bishop Walker. He’s a real brother and a great teacher. And, we’ve come together to show Nashville that this is what loving your brother and sister in Christ looks like.”
We are Better Together
As I looked around at all the smiling faces, I couldn’t help but think that this is what heaven looks like. People of different ages, backgrounds, and races celebrating and enjoying life together. It’s refreshing to see a little bit of glory here on earth. I pray that we not take community for granted. May we all continue to live out grace and love for our neighbor and realize that we truly are better together.