As a young teen, my sister and I were dropped off at church on Sunday mornings by my father, who was an alcoholic. (In today’s world, I guess we may have been ‘bused’ to church by those serving in a church bus ministry, but that was not available then.) Thankfully, as time passed, my mother and brother began to attend church with us, and later on I was able to lead my father to Christ, so I believe God was working in his life in those years, too.

That church — Central Baptist in Kannapolis — sowed into my life and I was forever changed. Even though my home environment was not always the best, through attending church I began to learn about having faith in God, who sent His Son to die on the cross for me. This gave me hope that I could live above the circumstance and in victory daily. Pastors, youth leaders, Sunday School teachers, and church members taught me about the love of God. The direction of my life was altered — and I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for those who sacrificed their time to serve in the ministries of this church in the early years of my life.

Fast forward “quite a few years” across town to Charity Baptist in Kannapolis, where I am now a member.

Outreach ministries — or as I like to call them ‘the church has left the building ministries’ — include: Canning Hunger, Clothing Closet, Orphan Outreach, Healing Hearts, Yahweh Yarn, Charity Cares Community Outreach, summer mission trips, local school/ neighborhood events, and Summer Slam, which reaches out to around 300 local children and volunteers nightly. And … the list goes on.

Ongoing weekly events within the church that strengthen our walk with Christ include: life groups, Bible studies, youth ministry, children’s ministry, music ministry, and weekly worship services. And… the list goes on. There are groups to serve in all aspects of our lives. Yes, it’s a busy place! And … faith, hope, and charity abides there.

I find it amazing that there are churches everywhere — seemingly on every corner — providing similar activities and services and people that not only “are” there for you — but truly “desire” to be there for you! The same faith and hope and love that I received as a teen and that I receive now is available for all — through the local church. Hebrews 10:25 says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, building each other up, as we see the day approaching when Christ will return.

As a teenager being dropped off for church, what did I receive? The church became a family for me — a very loving family — the family of God. One night during a youth group meeting, my youth pastor asked me to read aloud 1 Corinthians 13 and to substitute the word “charity” with the word “love” as I read. In that moment — surrounded by Christian friends and youth leaders — I remember reading the chapter for the first time — with tears flowing, as I realized the magnitude of Verse 13 — And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. God had put people in my life as a young teen — through the church — to be the hands and feet of Jesus and show the love of God to me constantly, and for that I am forever grateful.

Don’t have a church for yourself or for your family? Find one. Get in the car and go. Most of us wouldn’t have to go further than a block or two before we see a church. Or maybe a church bus can arrive in front of your house to pick you up. Or maybe, like me — someone can drop you off. Just like the church ministered to my young heart, it is there for you and for your children and for your children’s children to give us faith, hope and love.

CH _ _ CH. What’s missing? UR. I love the church. Don’t miss out.

Ann Farabee, writer, teacher, and speaker, has taught in Kannapolis City Schools and Mooresville Schools. Contct her at annfarabee@gmail.com or visit annfarabee.com