On March 15th of this year, God used a group of people from River City and the local community to change this family’s world. We started with $0 and only 2 volunteers, but we stepped out in faith and began to share Consuelo’s story with others. Some told us we couldn’t do it, but we knew God is a lot bigger than one roof.

Soon, more resources and volunteers appeared. One family felt led to donate $1000. Cloud Roofing generously donated all of the shingles and tar paper. The Body of Christ came together and made this happen and everyone involved felt their faith and trust in God grow.

At 8am that Saturday morning, men and women from age12 to 62 started to work. Thirteen hours, several smashed fingers, several sunburned faces, and lots of itchy arms later, we finished the roof! The Mata family will no longer have to fear the rain.

At River City this year, Pastor Sean Azzaro has issued the challenge to “Change Your World.” What better way to do that then to meet the needs of others. This project helped me better understand that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17)

I’m challenged to think about how many times this week I have told someone I’d pray but didn't? Now, I confidently challenge others as I was challenged… step out in faith and be an instrument for God’s blessings in someone else’s life.

I realized that when we put aside selfish ambition and serve the person next to us, everyone wins. Mrs. Mata got a roof, but I and lots of people from River City got a lesson in putting faith into practice.