SHELBYVILLE’S EASTVIEW Baptist Church has embraced the I Am Third philosophy and demonstrates their love and compassion for their neighbors through their various outreach programs.
I Am Third framed the life of legendary pro football player Gayle Sayers, whose life was portrayed in the 1971 film, Brian’s Song. At the heart of it is the order of self: God first; others second; self third.
We more naturally look to having our own needs met first, then believe we can effectively love others out of a better place—a “next-in- order” place. But when Jesus said in Mark 12:31 to love thy neighbor as thyself, the picture is of an equal, selfless love and a command to simultaneously meet the needs of others as we are caring for ourselves.
Eastview’s members follow this caring for neighbors as an important part of following Jesus. Each Saturday their bread ministry delivers bread and produce to the church that are free for the taking. Sunday’s service will feed your soul if you’d like to drop in for both. Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. and the worship service at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
The church’s food pantry, Gloria’s Closet, named for founder Gloria Faulk, is a food ministry of special bags of groceries for those out of food at home and those who are homeless. “Each month, many families and homeless individuals are given food and spiritual resources to let them know that we love them and that God does, too,” Pastor Mark Rosson said.
The church recently added a clothing closet. A room filled with donated clothes, shoes, coats, and even baby items are available to those in need, given by those who want to share their blessings.
The programs team up to meet great needs. Pastor Mark told of a recent event.
“A homeless man saw us updating the sign outside and asked if we had any food he could take with him. He came in and found bread on the table, canned goods from the pantry to fit in his backpack, and shirt, pants, shoes, and a jacket for the cooler weather coming! We also gave him a Bible and offered him spiritual assistance! Later in the day, [two others] went to the food pantry to supplement their food supply at home.”
The Church meets needs of food and clothing and has been able to bless one member with affordable housing by donating a portion of the Church’s land for the construction of a home through Bedford Builds Habitat for Humanity.
As we love God first, it’s natural to take on the heart of Jesus – a heart that looks always to the good of others and extends love, grace, and mercy to every person. This placement of God as our first priority then seamlessly pours over into our placing the care of our neighbors second and ourselves last.
Loving our neighbors well is a natural by- product of a prioritized life. -GN
