LOCAL CHURCH PRACTICES A SIMPLE ACT OF GENEROSITY
Peoria, AZ – This past weekend, November 22-23, Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) wrapped up a 4-week series with a message entitled “Give Generously.” At the end of each service, senior pastor Dr. Don Wilson asked over 12,000 church goers to “leave your shoes behind” to show a simple act of generosity. The plan is to deliver the thousands of shoes in time for Christmas to those in need locally and abroad.
Throughout the 4-week series entitled “Simple Christmas”, pastor Wilson talked about the need to create lasting memories amongst families instead of going into debt to purchase Christmas gifts. He also challenged church goers to ask themselves, “What can we give to others to show a simple act of generosity?” In the final moments of the weekend services, Wilson asked those who felt lead to bring their shoes up to the front of the stage before exiting the church.
Response from the crowd was tremendous. Over 3,000 pairs were collected on Saturday night alone, with an estimate of 8,000 for the entire weekend after services on Sunday morning concluded. People streamed out of the service in socks and many in bare feet. The most common question from children as they were picked up by parents was, “Daddy, where are your shoes?” These questions generated opportunities for parents to model for their children spontaneous and practical giving.
Wendy Rose, who has been attending CCV for almost two years, said the service impacted her and her 5-year-old daughter Adalyne in an incredible way. “The opportunity to share this experience with my young daughter was life changing. At first Addy didn’t want me to give my shoes away, but then I explained that shoes can be replaced easily and it’s important to share what we have with others who are in need.”
Donated shoes will be donated primarily to local homeless shelters in the Phoenix area. Thousands of shoes are also being shipped to outreach groups in Mexico and Africa. This past weekend proved that a simple act of generosity can go a long way!
CCV is located at 7007 W Happy Valley Rd in Peoria, AZ. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com. Regular weekend worship times are 4:30 and 6:15 pm every Saturday and 9:30 and 11:15 am every Sunday.
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