Externally Focused at Watermark

Thanks to the 175 volunteers that showed up for “Operation Clean Sweep”. It was an amazing time as we took care of 75 lawns and developed relationships with folks in need that are connected with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.

Extra special thanks to guys who scouted out the lawns, made assignments, provided extra equipment, and cooked burgers on the Chuck Wagon.

Here’s a note from Suzanne Griffin, the Executive Director:

Today was absolutely magnificent. Our seniors loved having their yards done, but I believe even more than that, they loved making new friends and seeing so many people who really care about their lives and their needs.

As one of our seniors said, “It is wonderful to see so many Christians out serving the Lord. Plus, my husband was thrilled because he has been looking at our shrubs that needed trimming for months and just didn’t have the energy to do it himself.”

This afternoon words of praise and thanksgiving are coming from households all across West Dallas as our neighbors look at their yards and thank God for all of the Watermark members who sweated and toiled for them.

Thank you for making it all happen and thank you for partnering with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.

We had 174 volunteers who signed in the morning and I don’t believe that counts the Chuckwagon cooking crew or those who might not have signed in. Again, thank you for a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Suzanne

On Saturday, July 24, the Watermark family is partnering with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand to build relationships and offer practical assistance to senior citizens in West Dallas. During “Operation Clean Sweep,” we will partner with Brother Bill’s and their neighbors by doing yard work and landscape projects for those in the greatest need. Our goal is to transform up to 75 yards that day, provide and eat lunch with the senior citizens served, and help make Christ’s name more famous.

“Brother Bill’s is a local neighborhood ministry that meets both the practical and spiritual needs of people living in West Dallas,” said Jeff Ward, Director of Watermark’s External Focus Ministry.  “Many of the seniors living near Brother Bill’s are not able to do their own yard work, so Operation Clean Sweep can help take care of that need.  Because Brother Bill’s believes in developing people, they are asking younger neighbors who receive services to work alongside us, thus giving back to their community.  Afterwards, together we’ll enjoy a chuck wagon lunch and connect in a deeper way with our new friends in the neighborhood of West Dallas.”

Here’s how you can be part of “Operation Clean Sweep”:

SERVE!

When: Saturday, July 24 • 8am -1:00pm

Where: Brother Bill’s Helping Hand • 3430 Odessa Street • Dallas, Texas 75212

What:

Lawn Teams

• Need 25 teams of three people (must be 15 or older).  If you can find all three people, that would be great.
  • Please provide name, email, mobile phone for each team member
• Each team will need to bring their own lawn mower and weed-eater (and any other equipment you would like to use)
  • Please provide who is bringing equipment for your team
• If you would like for us to match you up with a team, let us know

Hospitality (families can serve together)

• Need 8 teams to drive around neighborhood to provide water and treats for lawn teams
• Need 8 people to help set up tables for Chuckwagon and serve guests
• Need 4 people to answer phones at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand and handle check-in

Security & Safety

• Need 4 people to serve as Security for volunteer cars around BBHH
• Need a Safety Chair on hand at BBHH in case of emergency (will have Emergency Aid, contacts, etc.)

Chuckwagon

• Help serve lunch to volunteers and neighbors

How to Sign Up: Email ExternalFocus@watermark.org

What is Brother Bill’s Helping Hand?

• Builds one-on-one relationships with neighbors in West Dallas
• Meets practical needs in the community by offering groceries, healthcare services, childcare, educational resources, resume building, bible studies and ongoing encouragement to families
• More than 30% of the volunteers and many of the staff at Brother Bill’s are actually people who live near in the community and are served by the ministry
• In 2009, residents from 991 households in West Dallas made more than 13,000 30,000 visits to this community ministry
• To find out more, visit www.bbhh.org

Hey guys – 3 weeks ago Watermark was challenged to help meet the needs of those most at risk by 1) “giving” non-perishable food items, and 2) “going” to serve, “following the cans” and developing relationships with our ministry partners, Brother Bills Helping Hand in W. Dallas and Network of Community Ministries in Richardson, and those whom are served through these partners.

As a result of your response to Christ’s grace and awareness of this particular need, we are so excited to report that Watermark delivered over 25,000 pounds of food!  Along with this food, families will receive opportunities to be trained, connected with bible studies, and numerous other resources to assist them holistically.  Many Watermark families and community groups also participated in the delivery of this food and will continue to serve with these partners regularly!

Suzanne Griffin, the Executive Director of Brother Bills had this to say:

“Today was absolutely amazing.  I could not believe all the boxes that came through our front door…. The volunteers were great! … Thank you, thank the rest of the leadership team, and thank the members for this blessed gift.  Based on the average retail cost of food, that truck [referencing just the last delivery] equated to over $25,000 worth of food and hygiene items.  We appreciate all the ways Watermark is helping us better serve our neighbors in West Dallas.  And, we are grateful for all of the new friends we have met through these volunteer opportunities.”

Thank you again Watermark…and stay tuned for more ways to impact our city and advance the Kingdom!