‘It’s a blessing to serve’: Church of the Highlands holds Annual Day of Service

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — A nationwide initiative is pushing churches across the globe to volunteer in their communities.

Thousands of volunteers with Church of the Highlands put their hands and feet to work Saturday morning, during its annual Serve Day.

Pastor Allen Pedram of the Huntsville campus says the day encourages everyone to “find a need.”

“The need, that’s out there…it’s never going to go away,” said Pedram. “There’s always an opportunity to serve someone. I think for us as a church, our goal is to not just meet a need once in a while but we want to stay, build a relationship and have the long game in mind.”

Several of those needs and relationships have been found in the Northwood community in Huntsville. The church’s impact in the neighborhood has grown along with the number of volunteers willing to give back.

“The collection of volunteers let us know what they’re passionate about, what they’re capable of doing, skill set that they have, and we just step out of the way point them in the direction of need, and they jump in and serve,” Pedram said.

The church has been providing resources to the community for the past seven years.

Volunteers flooded Love Subdivision to help with yard work, home repairs and even car maintenance. Projects that for some, are too costly to afford.

Some projects, like the one at Tiawanda Brandon’s house, touched on a more personal note.

Brandon needed her ramp rebuilt after someone drove through it, making it difficult to get in and out of her home. It’s the same ramp Church of the Highlands built for her brother two years ago.

Brandon told News 19 the church’s commitment to her family is a blessing.

“They took it upon themselves and initiated this for me and my family to make sure that I’m safe,” said Brandon. “So what can I say, I’m grateful and appreciative. This (church) is my extended family.”

Pedram says forming long-lasting relationships while serving came make all the difference.

“If someone feels like they are not forgotten, not overlooked by people, by God, by a city…to us that’s the biggest win,” said Pedram. “When people know that they are not forgotten and God has a plan for them and we get to share that by meeting a tangible need…it’s just a real blessing to serve.”

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