Handyman Outreach

The Handyman Ministry is a powerful example of how God equips the called.

A major component of recovery is investing in the community by removing the focus off ourselves and opening our eyes to the needs of others around us.  Because of the dedication of recovery members, prayer-picked individuals are unexpectantly blessed with a helping hand.

Read the December 2010 newsletter

Uncle Johnny & a Heart of Gold

The Handyman Outreach is a powerful example of how God equips the called and uses the weak to bless the strong. A major component of recovery is investing in the community by removing the focus off ourselves and opening our eyes to the needs of others around us. 

John Christopher Cox, more affectionately known as Uncle Johnny, is an 80 year-old veteran of the Korean War and two-time Purple Heart recipient. He lives in Lacoochee and his home (resembling a shack) was in dire need of repair. Due to his age and failing health, Uncle Johnny was not able to complete necessary repairs himself, making him an excellent candidate for LFM’s Handyman Outreach.

As volunteers poured compassion,  physical labor and love into the home of a stranger, his heart began to soften.  Phone conversations that once ended with an abrupt “BYE,” now ended with a less abrupt “love you, BYE.” He often asked, “Why you doin’ this for me? You want my money? I don’t have no money.”

Volunteers have dedicated countless hours clearing the yard of overgrowth and debris, replacing and repairing floors, painting and other repairs that Uncle Johnny has been unable to complete. The process of restoring Uncle Johnny’s home is an ongoing labor of love and compassion. It provides an example to the small, once burgeoning former mill town of Lacoochee, of what compassion truly is.

God, the Creator of compassion, loves us despite our continued offenses against Him. In the same way, He extends love and compassion to us, we are called to extend that same love and compassion to others.  Not because of anything WE have done, but because of what HE has done!

But compassion, love and sacrifice for another’s gain is not just for those in recovery. 

These are basic principles of the Gospel! So take a minute and think….

How have you looked beyond yourself and shown compassion to someone who didn’t deserve it?