Sunday, July 19

What a Beautiful Week in the Neighborhood

What a week.

This week, more than 50 youth and adult volunteers became the hands and feet of Christ across Columbia. Together, we repaired three homes, shared countless meals, laughed until our sides hurt, worshiped, prayed, sweated through some South Carolina heat, and discovered again what Jesus meant when he said, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Three homes received much-needed repairs.

Three families were reminded that they are seen, valued, and loved.

And more than 50 campers returned home carrying something they couldn't fit in a toolbox—a deeper understanding that loving our neighbor is less about extraordinary moments and more about faithfully showing up, listening well, and choosing love day after day.

Throughout the week, we asked one simple question:

Who is our neighbor?

And every morning came the same answer:

The one we choose to love.

That's the gift of Salkehatchie. We don't just build ramps, paint walls, or repair roofs. We practice becoming the kind of people who notice others, who make room for their stories, and who discover that God is already at work in the neighborhoods we call home.

Thank you to every camper, adult leader, homeowner, church, volunteer, cook, donor, and prayer partner who made this week possible. You made this a beautiful week in the neighborhood.

Now the neighborhood grows a little larger.

Tomorrow, there will be new neighbors to notice. New opportunities to listen first. New chances to choose kindness, extend grace, and share Christ's love.

The work of Salkehatchie may be finished for this summer.

But loving our neighbor is never over.