LOVE ORLANDO - do you know about this?!

LOVE ORLANDO is a movement started by First Baptist Orlando, to serve the community and show God’s love to others. Over $5.6 million was pledged on one weekend to help restore hope to those families that are broken... meeting their basic needs is just the beginning.

So far, the church has partnered with 11 Orlando-based nonprofits and distributed about $1.8 million in grant awards under the Love Orlando banner. The ministry is committed to funding long-term and foundational programs that demonstrate proven results in moving families to self-sustainability.

The church hopes to continue to identify partner ministries/organizations in Central Florida to be a part of this Love Orlando initiative. Rather than simply distribute funding, Love Orlando will partner with local, nonprofit organizations to address a range of issues, from homeless prevention to food for impoverished elementary-school kids to transitional housing.

How LOVE ORLANDO came about...

Some of you know of the 60 Minutes "Hard Times Generation" segment that aired earlier this year... Bruce Wilkinson (author of The Prayer of Jabez) was scheduled as a guest speaker at our church about a week after that segment aired... Well... he came to Orlando and challenged us (First Baptist/Orlando congregation) to do something about the "new homeless" in Central Florida... our church's response was pledges totaling more than $5.6 million (to be given by the end of this year) -- specifically to address this situation and help families that so desperately need hope... so I was a little surprised to watch this second segment which aired in November...

60 Minutes: Hard Times Generation
Scott Pelley from CBS’ 60 Minutes program presented a follow up segment to the eye-opening “Hard Times Generation” piece that aired eight months ago. Both stories detailed the plight of homeless families with children, living in Central Florida. Click here to watch the program if you missed it when it aired on November 27th (and the response from the Second Harvest Food Bank). 

I would like to challenge you to find a non-profit, charity, faith-based organization, etc... and make a donation... it's pretty easy to see what's truly important after watching these segments... feeding, clothing, and providing shelter for families who are struggling to find hope... or buying another video game for a child or grandchild who really doesn't need it... find the charity or cause that ignites your passion and do something to make a difference for those around you!
Blessings!