Pure Religion
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27
Pure Religion
Early in my YMCA career, I spoke to a group of citizens gathered in a church basement. We were exploring building a Y in their county, and they wanted to learn more about the mission of our organization.
One clergyman asked me to repeat our mission. “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all,” I told him.
“What specific Christian principles?” he asked.
I responded with what I knew best. I talked about philanthropy, giving our resources to meet the needs of those less fortunate. This conversation took place within a month of my coming to the Y and I did not have a quiver full of stories that would have answered the clergyman more fully. Here is one story I would share today with that
pastor.
The YMCA of Greater Richmond has completed its 17th year of YMCA Bright Beginning shopping trips this year. More than 2,400 children were paired with caring volunteers who shopped with them for back-to-school clothes. This fall, these children walked into their classrooms with new shirts or blouses, slacks or skirts, socks and shoes, and a backpack stuffed with supplies. This year, these kids will not have to pretend not to notice other children snickering at their hand-me-down clothes. These children will not be embarrassed when the teacher asks them to take out a red crayon because they do not have one. To give these underprivileged kids a bright beginning is pure religion.
Bruce Yoder is Vice President for Philanthropy at the YMCA of Greater Richmond. He can be reached at yoderb@ymcarichmond.org and on his profile page here.
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