ADAM'S BLOG: COVID-19 - HOW TO HELP

We're experiencing time in a totally different way right now. 
 
Some things seem to be changing daily, if not hourly. Updates. Announcements. eLearning. Overtime. It's hard to keep up with all of it. At the same time, some things seem to be grinding to a halt. Cancellations. Closings. eLearning not working. Layoffs. 
 
It's hard to know how to navigate it all. 
 
No matter if it's fast, slow, or somewhere in between, we're experiencing time in a totally different way. For example, I had to check a couple of times today what day it was because many of the usual life-rhythms are so interrupted right now. I thought it was Wednesday. It was not...unless you're reading this on a Wednesday, in which case we're right in sync. 
 
We're all searching for new rhythms in work, in family life, in getting groceries, or just in the way to navigate all that is going on in our world. 
 
The Ridge is working on how to navigate this new rhythm, too. 
 
How can we “be the church” in a time like this? 
What does it look like for us to care for people?
How can we mobilize people to help others? 
What does it look like to do whatever it takes to reach our community for Christ today?
 
These are real questions we're asking, and some of the answers change day to day. 
 
Proverbs 3:27-28 says "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
 
I love the book of Proverbs in the Bible because it cuts straight to the point. It answers the questions of how to love other people simply, clearly, and boldly.
 
Help. Right Now. 
 
That’s it. No huge strategic plan. No hidden agenda. No frills. 
 
Do you want to help, but don’t know how? We are working on a way to connect people who want to help people who need help. 
 
Sign up to help RIGHT NOW by filling out this form.
 
As we find out what kind of needs we have in our community, wouldn’t it be amazing to have a group of Ridgers mobilized to step right in and help? As you fill out the form, you have the opportunity to tell us the types of assistance you’d be able to give. Could you pick up groceries and deliver them to the front door? Could you make phone calls to check in on people? Could you write notes of encouragement? Let us know – right now! We have a bunch of different ways you can help – and if you have one we didn’t think of, you can let us know. Once we’re aware of a need, we’ll connect the person willing to help to the person needing help, and watch help happen in real-time. 
 
Maybe your situation is a little different. Do you find yourself in a circumstance right now that you are having difficulty navigating? Do you need a neighbor to offer to help you, even if it’s hard to ask? Consider this our official offer. We want to help you!  
 
If you need help (or do you know someone who needs help), fill out this form. 
 
We will do our best to match you with someone who can help you out. And no matter if time is flying by or crawling by for you, the time is right. 
 
Right now is the perfect time to make a difference. 
Right now is the perfect time to show people the love of Jesus. 
Right now is the perfect time to teach your kids what it means to help.
Right now is the perfect time to help your neighbor. 
Right now is the perfect time to let your neighbor help you. 
Right now is the perfect time to do whatever it takes.
 
Whatever it takes, 
Adam