Columbia Shines Bright with Stories of Help and Hope
When you think of Columbia, you might picture its nighttime glow, bustling businesses, and vibrant arts scene. But beneath the surface of this lively city lies the true essence of what makes it special: the stories of its people. From the entrepreneurial young couple to the elderly garden enthusiast, each life adds layers to the fabric of this community. Yet, there are more emotional narratives that tug at the heartstrings – like the single mom trying to put food on the table and the child enduring the rough edge of shoes too small for his feet.
It’s no wonder that a group of dedicated residents, made up of everyday folks with their own struggles, have committed themselves to making Columbia a better place. Offering help and hope to those in need, they shine a light on the darker stories of the city. Among these passionate individuals is Jeff Shipman, a teaching pastor at one of the local churches. His role allows him to hear about both the joyful and the sorrowful moments unfolding daily in Columbia.
A Shift in Unity
Jeff believes that the community is embarking on an important journey toward unity. “I’ve never seen the kind of unity that I’m seeing right now,” he shares. “I’ve never seen churches pulling together like this.” His sentiment is echoed by Bishop Eric Freeman, who expresses his excitement about the growing collaboration among various church congregations. This connection leads to the creation of the Love Cola movement, where dozens of churches of different backgrounds and beliefs come together to serve the city.
Every October, this unity is put on display during Love Cola Week. During this special time, churches join together to volunteer and provide assistance through local nonprofits, wearing simple Love Cola shirts as a sign of their collective commitment to their community. Jeff clarifies, “It’s not an event that we’re pulling off. This is what we’ve been doing all year. But it is a time to show the city who we are and how we really care about them.”
Roots of the Movement
The origins of Love Cola are deeply rooted in a tradition that reaches back 2,000 years, drawing inspiration from the love that Jesus described to his disciples. As discussed by Jeff, it’s about how followers of Christ can display love for one another, which ultimately reflects the core message of Christianity. “By this love, men will know that we are His disciples,” Eric agrees, emphasizing the importance of loving one another in a tangible way.
Currently, Love Cola stands strong with a network of 50 churches dedicated to praying and serving the residents of Columbia. “Every hour throughout the year, someone is praying for the Capital City,” Jeff explains, highlighting the profound dedication of the community members to uplift the city spiritually. But they don’t stop at prayer; the Love Cola movement actively seeks out ways to serve those in need and facilitate hope for anyone struggling.
Love in Action
Among the initiatives these churches partake in, help goes beyond just provisioning meals; it encompasses sharing emotional and spiritual support. “It’s great to deal with food insecurity… but I think the greatest expression of addressing those matters is by sharing the ultimate hope, which is Jesus,” Eric points out. This perspective holds that they want to address not just the physical necessities, but to uplift individuals’ spirits and foster hope.
As they gather to support one another, the members of this community become a living testament to the change they wish to see in Columbia. They are ordinary individuals who have been transformed by grace, ready to extend help to their neighbors – providing meals for families, fresh shoes for children, and encouragement for individuals facing tough times.
The Collective Story of Columbia
Every Sunday morning, hundreds of churches open their doors to welcome the community, which collectively creates one singular “Church” in Columbia. It’s a vibrant tapestry of ordinary people whose stories have been rewritten through their experiences with love. “Columbia needs Jesus, but I don’t just mean from a salvation standpoint,” shares Jeff, emphasizing that the essence of Jesus should bring peace and prosperity into the community.
What’s unfolding in Columbia now showcases the spirit of unity, and the efforts made by these compassionate individuals are vital to nourishing the soul of the city. As they come together, the stories of hardship begin to transform into narratives of strength and hope, creating a ripple effect that enhances the overall spirit of Columbia. It’s this spirit of love and unity that ultimately defines what it means to be a part of this incredible city.
