Have you ever felt God nudge you to do something that at the time didn’t seem to make much sense? That happened to Tendayi on Christmas Eve 2020. While out walking, she met a neighbor who encouraged her to go to a Christmas service at a church. As she considered this, she felt a prompt to attend Hill Country—a church that she’d never attended before and didn’t really know much about. Responding to the nudge, she attended a Hill Country Christmas Eve service, where she had a wonderful experience!

Not only did she feel welcomed at the church, she met some people (who she’s still in contact with), and she received some much-appreciated assistance. Tendayi had experienced some difficult times in December, and the love, support, and help she received from the church was a blessing.

Then in the unprecedented snowstorm in February of 2021, Tendayi again took refuge at Hill Country, which served as a storm shelter. She slept at the church, bonded with those around her, and as she explained, experienced one of “the most beautiful times of her life.” Witnessing people showing gratitude for what they have, and acting out of selflessness and love, left a lasting impact on Tendayi.

A Christian most of her life, Tendayi’s faith strengthened during these experiences. More than ever, she both relies on and trusts God to provide for her needs, and she’s increasingly learning to let go of control in her life. Her infectious joy and incredible love for Jesus are inspiring!   

Do you believe it's possible to live free of debt, stress, and fear? We believe that it's not only possible, but it's how God actually wants us to live. Check out one couple's journey of digging out from under tremendous debt to being both debt-free and hopeful about the future!

My name is Melanie, and I am a nurse practitioner here in the Austin area. I used to attend Hill Country with my parents. I am currently attending another church here in Austin. I wanted to let you know about the generosity and kindness that I have recently received on behalf of some of your members. I currently work in two nursing homes here in the Austin area for which I am the primary care provider for about 80 mostly elderly people. I have not been treating any COVID- positive people, and we are all doing our best to keep the virus away from these patients. But because of the virus, we have been having significant problems stocking supplies that we use on a regular basis like masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. I put out a call on my personal Facebook to anyone who might have any of these items and would be willing to part with them.

The first call I received was from Joe Enriquez, the Hill Country Facility Manager. He offered me three large bottles of hand santizier, a box of gloves and about a dozen N95 masks that the church had stored. My dad was kind enough to pick up these supplies and bring them to me at the nursing home. My mom asked some Hill Country members and friends of hers for help, and they were kind enough to sew 97 homemade face masks. One for each of the employees at my nursing home. While that might not seem like a lot of supplies to some, we are eternally grateful for these gifts. I wanted to pass on the thanks from myself and the staff. Hill Country is showing the love of Christ to the least of these by donating, making masks, staying home, and distancing as much as possible. 

My facility is currently doing okay on supplies at this time thanks to your members and other organizations who have been so kind to us. The Church has the power to enact a lot much good in this world, and I'm grateful I got to witness a small part of that good myself. Thanks for all that you are doing!

Our COVID-19 Volunteers are helping to meet needs within our community daily! Amy runs Faith Home Restoration, a safe place for recovering homeless women in Austin. She's also in the high-risk category during the COVID-19 pandemic. When her lawnmower broke down, she reached out, and Jim stepped up to help.

He and his Nephew Kevin mowed Amy's large front and back lawns, moved mulch and plants, and swept her driveway. A simple act, but something small like that is a huge help in these difficult times. Amy prayed for Jim and Kevin when they were done – from a safe distance of course. If you're in need during this time, or you're in a position to help others, reach out to us to get connected!