I quit going to church

By Joel Atwell

Dear church,

Last week I wrote to you concerning your “being the church” to the Sparks family during this very difficult time of Austin’s cancer. I thought you might be interested in Ericka’s (Austin’s mom) response.

I smiled while reading your weekly "I quit going to church" email. For
one thing it is just really cool, but also I have been meaning to write
to tell you how blown away I have been by the support that we have
received. It has been truly humbling. The schools have raised money,
our neighborhood is bringing us one meal a week, Austin’s baseball team
(kids and parents) have been amazing. All of the boys are planning to
shave their heads when Austin starts losing his hair and the coaches
are teaching him to keep the books so that he can still be involved
with the team.
Then there is our church family (WOW) who are bringing meals, not just
once, but twice a week and, well, just being FAMILY. I told Austin, “It
may be hard to feel blessed right now, but we have so much support and
so many people praying” and he said, "Yeah I have noticed that." Now when the support is strong enough that a 13 year old boy notices, well that is
just COOL!
Being on the receiving end of things; I just want to say thank you … I personally will be forever changed in a positive way through this experience.
Love you much,
Ericka

So, once again, thanks for not simply “going to church,” but truly “being the church.” That’s the kind of church the world longs to see and Jesus intends for us to be.

Encouraged by your ministry,

Joel

PS – Austin is going in for his second round of chemo this weekend so keep him in your prayers.