1Matters
by Keith Collett- Student Ministries Pastor
There’s an organization in Toledo called 1Matters. They believe that you and I are completely capable of being one who matters to one who matters.
The founding inspiration for 1Matters was a visit John Mellencamp made to the Toledo Homeless Awareness Project, Tent City on November 2nd, 2007.
John gave the unhoused guests 60 tickets to his concert that evening. One gentleman returned after the concert and said, “John actually talked to us from the stage. I really DO matter.”
Here was a human being who questioned whether or not he mattered. How in God’s wonderful world can anyone not know they matter?
1Matters was born.
Tent City is an annual weekend long community event begun in 1990 for and with the unhoused. It provides medical and other resources to those that need it, 1 at a time.
The sole focus of MOVE is to experientially empower students to be balanced individuals whose faith is accompanied by action. That’s exactly why we decided to engage in Tent City this year. I challenged our students by having a clothing drive. The very next week they brought over 70 bags full of clothing: winter coats, pants, sweaters… you name it! I was shocked at how they responded.
One student, Alex Losoya, took my challenge and completely went the extra mile. She started her own clothing drive the very next day at Springfield High School. Students and faculty got on board and donated almost three quarters of the clothing we collected. I asked Alex why she decided to go all out and she replied: “I am so fortunate to have the clothing on my back. Unfortunately, others are not and my heart goes out to them.”
You know, the most amazing thing about Alex’s heart is that she’s not afraid to wear it on her sleeve. Most people who call themselves Christians, young and old, feel the same way Alex does but don’t do anything about it. Why?
James 1:22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says.
Did you know that half of U.S. kids use food stamps before age 20?
Will you be one who matters to one who matters?
