How to Honor the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was motivated by his faith to fight for the rights of others. As a pastor and Christian civil rights leader, he believed that the call of every Christian is to follow the example of Christ and to serve sacrificially. Rev. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, but the impact of his faith lives on to this day.

What is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

More than just a day off from work or school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to remember the legacy of MLK and reflect on how we can curb injustice in the world around us. Dr. King’s life reminds us that the call of Jesus applies to how we love our neighbors, pursue justice, and reflect God’s heart through our actions. As you explore our resource page, ask yourself, “How does God want me to use my voice to stand up for what’s right?”

Learn More About Dr. King

Learn more about Rev. Dr. King through this special episode of The Link, as Senior Pastor Chris Brooks reflects on MLK’s legacy through the lens of his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail.

Six Ways to Seek Justice in Your Community

1. The Dream Centers of Michigan

The Dream Centers engage low-income individuals, at-risk-youth, and struggling families in Pontiac, Michigan with the love of Jesus, partnering with them to thrive and move toward self-sustainability.

As a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, the Dream Centers are determined to break cycles of poverty by providing resources, opportunities, and relationships that heal brokenness, promote justice, and provide equity. Learn more about volunteering with the Dream Centers of Michigan.

2. Connect With Someone From a Different Culture or Race

Learning from different perspectives and backgrounds can help us better understand the unique stories behind injustice in our world (Acts 10:34-35). Consider hosting a family dinner or Zoom call with someone of a different cultural or racial background to begin a path toward healing and understanding.

3. Serve Children and Families in Under-Resourced Communities

The burden of living in a broken or impoverished community is a significant injustice that often goes unseen (John 10:10). To make a difference, get involved with Woodside’s partner organizations by tutoring a child, mentoring a young adult, supporting a family, and more:

Pontiac Campus | Food Pantry
2nd and 4th Friday of Each Month | 2 PM – 4 PM
Contact: (248) 499-6416

Warren Campus | Thrift Closet and Food Pantry
Wednesdays | 1-7 PM
Food Pantry hours are Mondays (12 PM – 4 PM) and Fridays (9 AM – 12 PM)
Contact: ryanrussell@woodsidebible.org

Lake Orion Campus | Food Pantry
Mondays and Wednesdays | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Contact: (248) 4818069
VillageFoodPantry@woodsidebible.org

Woodside’s Partner Organizations:
Soar Detroit
Central Detroit Christian
Life Remodeled
Lighthouse of Michigan
Grace Centers of Hope
Pontiac Community Foundation

4. Support Children in Foster Care

Through no fault of their own, children in the foster care system are forced to face the consequences of living without a permanent home or a normal childhood. There are thousands of children in foster care in the state on Michigan. You can become an advocate for the parentless by supporting organizations that are bridging the gap (Psalm 68:5-6).

Woodside’s Partner Organizations:
House of Providence
Youth Haven Ranch
House of Hope
Clara’s Hope

5. Bring Spiritual Freedom to Prisoners

We’re all invited to find freedom and a new life in Christ—even those currently incarcerated (Galatians 5:1). Help change lives and bring hope to inmates through these biblically-based ministries:

Woodside’s Partner Organizations:
Forgotton Man Ministry
Prison Fellowship

6. Restore Hope to Victims of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, or modern-day slavery, is perpetuated by those who profit from the exploitation or control of others. This global problem exists everywhere, even in our local communities. Volunteer your time to support Woodside partners as they work to restore hope to trafficking victims in southeastern Michigan (Luke 4:18).

Woodside’s Partner Organizations:
All Worthy of Love
Hope Against Trafficking
Our Daughters International