Community

YMCA prayer breakfast asks to connect with those furthest from us

The theme of the 2019 YMCA Prayer Breakfast was “Finding the Courage to Connect.” This morning, thousands of everyday people joined with civic and business leaders to discuss the potential of what can be done in the Charlotte community and beyond.
The opening prayer from former Carolina Panther Jonathan Stewart set the tone for the one-hour breakfast which focused on connecting with others through good deeds and volunteerism.
Keynote speakers for the program were Toussaint Romain, a community advocate and attorney, and Mike Moses, pastor at Lake Forest Church.
Romain broke down the word connect and the reasons why it is important to thoroughly join in a community movement for the betterment of our friends and neighbors.  
“Connecting is not just shaking hands and serving meals at the men’s shelter,” Romain said. “The question is do you have to courage to thoroughly join to make our city better?”
The speakers pointed to the work that has always been done by churches and that historically most great movements were started and supported by churches both locally and across the nation.
“Maybe what we need is the courage to disconnect so we can reconnect,” Romain said. “Disconnect from our phones, from ourselves, so we can reconnect to God. Then, we would have the ability to connect others to God.”
The YMCA wants to empower the entire community to volunteer on some level and they are working tirelessly to give everyone the opportunity they need to reach their full potential. 
 “Do you have the courage to connect with those that are the furthest from us?” Todd Tibbits, YMCA of Greater Charlotte, president and CEO, said.
They YMCA’s annual campaign is trying to fill the gap in some of the community most critical needs, including third-grade reading, child development, health and well-being and more. 
“What are we afraid of?” Romain said.  “If we combined our resources, think of what we can do together.”
Each of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte locations responds to the unique needs of the communities they serve.  You can learn about the additional programs and services that are funded by the annual campaign donations at any area YMCA.
If you have an inspiring story to share, please email, Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte, public affairs manager at kevin.campbell@wsoctv.com. 

Cox Media Group

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