I just returned with my wife, Jan, from a celebration of Martin Luther King Day in Houston, Texas. HOPE worldwide Texas was blessed to have joined in a growing partnership with Shell Oil, Motiva and Volunteers of Houston to provide a full day of service to needy citizens in the Houston community.

Shell Oil and Volunteers of Houston have been sponsoring days of service in Houston for the last twelve years, so a response to President-elect Barack Obama’s call for a National Day of Service was answered by an experienced team of community organizers.

In a whirlwind of service, I had the privilege of participating in programs galore for children and seniors at Ripley House, a community center operated by Neighborhood Centers, Inc., visiting the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in America, and, as a bonus, helping to distribute 2,700 turkeys to residents of disadvantaged communities. More than 150 volunteers from the Greater Houston Church under the leadership of Tim Huffman and Matthew Bridges did an outstanding job of putting the needs of others above their own as they chose to have a “day on” instead of a day off.

The wonderful experience of helping others that we personally experienced in Houston was repeated in 32 cities across the United States as HOPE worldwide stood once again with its many partners in serving others. One of the most powerful examples of partnership was demonstrated in 25 of these cities through HOPE worldwide’s growing connection to the American Red Cross. Literally, thousands of volunteers scattered themselves across American cities to spread an important message of fire prevention.

At every turn at HOPE worldwide, we find ourselves grateful for the many volunteers and supporters from the International Churches of Christ who stand behind our work. Our work for the poor is motivated by the belief that the creator of our world wants us to take care of His creation and our faith-based partnership with the church has once again proven its value during this year’s Martin Luther King Day activities. Many thanks to all who served – many blessings to those we served.