This is My Commandment
It’s February – the month in which we all seek to prove our devotion to and affection for our spouses. Many consider this demonstration to be of extreme importance, and (as a married man) my wife has informed me that I agree. We back this up with our wallet; this Valentine’s Day, Americans will give each other approximately 144 million cards, 58 million pounds of chocolate, and 8 billion of those chalky conversation hearts (yes, people still buy these). In all we will spend around $20 billion.
That’s a great deal to spend to prove our love, but it pales in comparison to what God has done for us. Romans 5:8 tells us that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” For most of us, Valentine’s Day is about mutual affection, but the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made when He took our sins upon Himself was entirely one-sided. We did nothing to deserve it and had nothing of value to give Him in return, yet He chose to do it anyway for one simple reason – He loves us!
If Christ was willing to do this for us, what excuse do we have to do anything short of loving one another? The answer is plain – we don’t. It doesn’t matter what they’ve done, or who they are, or if they are our enemy. The example Christ set is clear, and His directive in John 15:12 is explicit: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
We will never meet someone that God doesn’t love.
Stephen Nichols
Director of Communications
Stories from the Home
Conclave 2020
Three PAYH staff members (Tim Ritchie, Victoria Shuman, and Stephen Nichols) recently spent a weekend in Chattanooga at the Conclave 2020 conference. While there, they spoke with pastors, youth pastors, and volunteers from 11 states about the services that PAYH offers and how young men have found new life in Christ while in the PAYH program. They also were able to tell them about Paul’s history as a legendary strong man and how he gave up fame and fortune to answer God’s call on his life.
SEPC Work Day
On January 17th, volunteers from the Southeast Produce Council came to PAYH to help renovate the Goodness Garden. Working alongside our young men, they dug up the old timbers that formed the raised beds and replaced them with new oak beams. The beds are like new again and are now ready for the many crops that will be gown and harvested in the years to come. Afterwards, they enjoyed fellowship at lunch and sat down with Col. Ken Vaughn as he shared his vision and plans for PAYH. We want to extend a special thank you to all who gave of their time and resources to make this day a blessing to the PAYH and the young men we serve.
Leadership Toombs-Montgomery
21 members of Leadership Toombs-Montgomery visited the PAYH campus on January 30th to learn more about our ministry. PAYH Director of Advancement Tim Ritchie spoke about the history of the home while two of the young men gave them a tour. Afterward, they joined us for a meal and fellowship. According to their website, their program is designed to “enhance a participant’s awareness of our community and its needs by examining how leadership in the historical, geographical, educational, economic, governmental, and cultural segments work together to perpetuate and advance the Toombs-Montgomery area.” You can learn more about this initiative at toombsmontgomerychamber.com/leadership-development/.
UPCOMING EVENT: CHICK-FIL-A VIDALIA ROAD RACE
Whether you’re a competitive runner or enjoy a casual stroll, whether you like to compete with a team or do your own thing, or if you simply want a chance to spend your morning supporting a worthy cause, there’s a place for you on March 7th, 2020 at the 5th Annual Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race. Sponsored by Zorn Insurance, Spivey Orthopedic, Altamaha Bank and Trust, and Pineland Telco, proceeds from this year’s race will benefit both PAYH and Winshape Camps in Vidalia. We are expecting over 600 runners this March – don’t miss your chance to be one of them. Sign up at RunVidalia.com and visit our Facebook page atFacebook.com/RunVidalia.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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