Columbia’s Love Cola Initiative Unites Churches in a Mission of Hope and Compassion

Columbia: A City of Unity and Hope

Columbia is a vibrant city, filled with life, aspirations, and a rich tapestry of stories. It’s not just the twinkling lights at night or the bustling businesses during the day that define this place. Instead, it’s about the people—their challenges and triumphs—that really shape the essence of the community.

Every day, new stories unfold in Columbia. There’s the young couple striving to open their first cafe, the elderly gentleman nurturing his beloved garden, and the neighborhood rallying to support a heroic family in need. But alongside these uplifting tales, there are also stories that tug at the heartstrings—like the single mother anxiously checking her bank account, hoping she can make it to payday, or the child whose shoes are painfully too small.

Bringing Help and Hope

In Columbia, a group of dedicated residents is on a mission to seek out those tougher stories and extend a helping hand to their neighbors. Among them is Jeff Shipman, a compassionate pastor who understands the weight of both joy and sorrow that blankets the city. With over two decades in ministry, Jeff has seen firsthand how a community can thrive on love—or falter without it.

“I’ve never seen the kind of unity that I’m seeing right now,” Jeff shares with enthusiasm. “The churches in our area are coming together like never before.”

This sentiment is echoed by Bishop Eric Freeman, who recognizes the uniqueness of the current moment in Columbia. “It’s truly special,” he adds. “The collaboration among so many churches is exciting.”

Over the past few years, Jeff and Eric have been at the forefront of a movement called Love Cola. This initiative has brought together dozens of churches, regardless of their traditions or backgrounds, to work hand-in-hand in supporting those most in need. Every October, this spirit of unity culminates in Love Cola Week, a week-long series of service activities where churches band together to uplift their fellow residents under the common banner of love.

A Year-Round Commitment

It’s essential to note that while Love Cola Week is a significant highlight, the efforts of this movement extend well beyond that week. “It’s not just an event for us,” says Jeff. “This is a commitment we’re nurturing throughout the entire year.”

During Love Cola Week, participants don simple shirts that read “Love Cola” instead of their church’s name. This ensures that when they serve, they truly represent the city and its collective heart. The goal is not just short-term aid, but a lasting impact of love and compassion.

Cultivating Hope and Unity

The roots of the Love Cola movement are as profound as they are humble. Jeff refers to the teachings found in the Gospel of John, pinpointing a profound message spoken by Jesus before his crucifixion. “He emphasized love for one another as the hallmark of His followers,” Jeff explains. “It’s this very love that will demonstrate to the world that something special is happening here.”

The movement embodies this idea, reflecting a unified community striving to live out their faith and serve the people of Columbia. With a network of about 50 churches committed to continuous prayer and outreach, this collaboration is shaping in remarkable ways. “We didn’t just want to pray for the city, we aimed to serve it,” emphasizes Jeff.

A Stronger Community

Eric also notes that many churches in Columbia are doing incredible work that often goes unnoticed. Love Cola bridges these efforts, allowing them to share resources and bolster each other’s missions. “It’s about enhancing what’s already happening to address deeper community needs,” he explains.

Through this movement, residents of Columbia are diffusing hope amid challenges—be it food shortages or the need for job support. “It’s essential to address physical needs while also sharing an eternal hope,” says Eric, highlighting Jesus as a source of that hope. “Our love for each other reflects our love for Him and serves as the ultimate expression of hope.”

A Unified City

As Columbia continues to evolve, the transformation touched by Love Cola showcases a community deeply committed to fostering love and unity. On any given Sunday, hundreds of churches welcome their congregants with open arms, but in terms of the spirit that permeates the city, there’s really only one church—the collective body of believers unified in mission.

“Every act of kindness contributes to our city’s narrative,” Jeff reflects. “We provide food, clothing, and support to those who are struggling. Our stories are intertwined, and every time we help someone, we rewrite Columbia’s story towards hope.”

As Columbia continues to grow and change, it’s the stories of compassion, unity, and love that define it. In a world that can feel disconnected, the residents of Columbia remind each other that together, they can uplift their neighbors and fortify their community. And that, above all, is what truly makes Columbia shine.