“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” – Ephesians 2:10
Parents with school-aged children are experiencing many new things these days. COVID-19 has disrupted sports, family gatherings, and especially school. Perhaps the biggest change is how it has caused so many things to go online. In March, our dining room was converted to an online classroom so my wife, a fifth-grade teacher, could film videos for her class. In my house we have participated in online church, online school and zoom calls for all occasions. Things are different, for sure.
When Marcus Holley’s children began to do school online, he did what he could to help. He decided that his children needed their own desks so that they could focus on their work. He went to YouTube and watched videos on how to build a desk. He went to work on building a desk for each of his three children.
Word got out about what Marcus was doing and soon others were asking him to build a desk for their children. He decided to charge a small fee to help cover the cost of the materials. He was building so many desks, but he didn’t want to stop. Marcus told the local news, “It was hard to turn down requests, knowing the struggles so many were going through.” He kept building during his free time.
Marcus is truly a gift to the people in his neighborhood. Recently, he received an anonymous gift of several thousand dollars. It allowed him to continue to build and donate to families who could not afford a desk for their children. When asked about his project, Marcus said, “Do good, help people. I feel like you ain’t lived till you help somebody.”
Life looks a little different these days, but Marcus Holley understands a timeless truth. No matter our circumstances, we can experience the fullness of life when we choose to serve others. Not only does giving our time, using our talents, and being generous towards others bless those who receive our efforts, it also blesses our lives, as well.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
