5 /5 Julie Vinson: The community of Eastside has blessed my family in great ways! I have been an Eastsider since I was 10 years old. Eastside has shaped and molded my faith to let God use me in unique ways. I have been filled with truth from Arty, Les and Roger! I used to be connected to Friday Night of Hope. I have been transformed through mission trips to serve globally and in my backyard community. I currently serve aggressive and assaultive patients in an acute mental health ward. God says to love the least of these. I am not currently able to attend a Connection Group (unpredictable schedule as a RN ) - but my dad is highly connected to his connection group. In 2023, my mom had some major health issues at the close of the Eastside Israel trip. She was hospitalized both in Israel and back here it the USA. Her life has been changed forever - with vascular dementia and the cognitive decline her mind is going through. It has been a journey for my dad and me. I have become close to a number of folks in dad’s connections group since everything happened with mom. They have enfolded dad and I in love. They have continued to reach out in care and compassion to my mom. It’s been refreshing and amazing to see the body of Christ come together … and still supporting 2+ years later. I’m not great at asking others for help. However, due to circumstances related to my life, I decided to reach out, as mom has been struggling. This morning, (as I sat here feeIing overwhelmed) I sent messages to those I had contact info for in dad’s connection group. The community that rallied around me (immediately!) was orchestrated by God and the shared community of others. I have some others going to see mom starting TODAY! It was a lesson to me - to see how my asking for help, allowed others to step in and be the hands and feet of Jesus. God blesses those that live and share community together. He never wants us to go through life alone! Thankful and grateful for the ways Eastside uses Connection Groups to not only strengthen and grow to our daily …. But to also offer practical support in times of need!!
