Erin Taliaferro

 I am writing to share with you about Erin Taliaferro. I know Erin from our youth ministry at our church. She has been a vital part of our Vacation Bible School theatrical productions for quite some time. (See photo)While knowing that she is such a sweet person, it's seeing her demeanor in action that has affected me more.

 
Recently we went on a mission trip to Chicago, Illinois to the Chicago Dream Center. The Dream Center is a tool that is used by area churches to reach out to the homeless and inner-city children. It focuses not only on their immediate needs but on the hearts of the people they are reaching. The way they do that is to go into the community and serve. The service projects range from picking up trash in a neighboring park or neighborhood to making and handing out food to the homeless. There are more in depth projects that can be done as well, and this where I would like to share about Erin.
 
When we arrived in Chicago, we received our service projects each day. There were three things we could do. Picking up trash in a park/playing with children; setting up a tent for a local church who was renovating their church and preparing it for upcoming services; and working on a house that would be used to aid orphan boys. The first day or two, several started gutting the home. Erin, from what I remember worked on the church. Caught in the photo I have here, shows Erin mowing the grass around the tent they had set up. She was always willing to do whatever was asked of her. One lady needed her to go and help purchase flowers for the "tent church" and Erin went with the lady without asking any questions. She didn't even know the lady! After this day, Erin began demo work in the orphan boys home. It was hard work as I can attest. She did this for a couple of days straight while some got to go to the park and play with little kids. When we were asked to share things about our work there, I remember hearing Erin's response. She mentioned that she was a little disappointed, at first, when she wasn't asked to go to the park and play with the little children. And then she began telling us that she realized what an impact it was going to have on little boys who would get to enjoy the home she had been working on. She really put into perspective what she was there to do. The trip was not for herself...afterall, it was a mission trip. And Erin really got the meaning of that.
 
The thoughts of Erin has stuck with me to this day. When I'm forced to do a remedial task, I am reminded of Erin's words. I am reminded that in order to enjoy serving others I have to look at the outcome and its affect on others. I'm grateful to have been witness to such a wonderful young lady. And I truly hope you will consider her as a candidate of being caught in the act.
 
Sincerely,
April Adams

 

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