Rodney Smith is college senior in Alabama. Like most college students Rodney works a summer job to earn some money. Last summer, he decided to mow some lawns to make some extra money. While he was working he heard of a 93 year-old woman near-by who needed her yard mowed. Rodney and a friend went to her home and mowed her yard for her. This simple act of kindness started something much bigger than Rodney had anticipated.
A local news station heard about what Rodney did and approached him with $300.00 as a “Pay-it-forward” for his good deed. Rodney took the money and created a non-profit business called, ‘Have No Fear, Raising Men Lawn care.’ Rodney seized the opportunity to gather other young men and show them that service to others is the best way to develop a true sense of community and accomplishment.
It was not long into his work that Rodney had developed a team of over 20 young men who worked the entire summer to keep the yards of the elderly, sick, and those who do not have the ability to care for their yards. Rodney says, “They are young but they say it is cool to give back. They see the faces of the single mothers, or the senior citizens when they finish the job and they know they have made a difference as a part of a team.”
Rodney and his team reminded me of the very important fact that we are capable of making a difference, but when we work together our impact is much greater. Rodney found a way to bless the lives of many by working on their yards, while teaching a group of youth that they too were capable of blessing the lives of others as well. When we are willing to serve, especially as a team, we can make a significant impression on the world with the love and hope of Christ.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
