Best Lent Ever

A few days ago I met with a team from Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles. I met the senior pastor of that church, Ken Fong, a few years ago when we were speaking a conference. We ended up sharing a shuttle to the airport and then had a few hours to kill before our respective flights so we grabbed dinner at the airport.

I love what this church is doing for Lent. Instead of giving up french fries or caffeine, the entire church during Lent is focusing on “finding God’s heart through the lens of justice”. Is that the best Lent ever, or what?

So for example, one family decided on their own to compile “bedtime sacks” for the homeless in downtown Los Angeles. Complete with a washcloth, toothpaste, and a tooth brush, they distributed these sacks to the homeless in downtown L.A.

Another couple was on their way to church when they passed a man who was homeless. They were late to church, but they turned around and bought this man some snacks from 7-11 and listened to his story.

I don’t always honor Lent with a specific commitment. But I intend to make this my Lent commitment next year.

©2009 Fuller Youth Institute