How to Honor the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was motivated by his love for Jesus 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 example of Christ and to serve others sacrificially. Sadly, Rev. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, but the impact of his faith in Christ lives on to this day.

Rev. Dr. King reminds us that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. His example reminds us that, as Christians, we must stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a holiday or a day off. It’s an opportunity to remember the life and legacy of MLK and reflect on how we can curb injustice in the world around us. As a church family, we desire to use this moment as an opportunity to advocate for the marginalized, under resourced, and forgotten around us. Below are a few ways you can respond today!

▶️ Get Involved With The Dream Centers of Michigan

Woodside Bible Church founded the Dream Centers of Michigan (Pontiac, MI) in 2014 to advocate for people living in under-resourced communities. The Dream Centers engage low-income individuals, at-risk-youth, and struggling families 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 listen, learn, lament, and lead in the communities they serve, determined to break cycles of poverty by providing resources, opportunities, and relationships that heal brokenness, promote justice, and provide equity.

Life-transformation at this level requires access to quality education, living wage employment, and housing. To that end, the Dream Centers offer an after-school program for kids, workforce development and social enterprise programs, housing for young men with discipleship and leadership development opportunities, and a food pantry. Serve and encourage the people of Pontiac through the Dream Centers.

▶️ Connect With a Friend, Neighbor, or Colleague from a Different Culture Or Race

Taking time to listen and learn 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 or understanding.

▶️ Impact 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:

Suggested Organizations:
Soar Detroit
Central Detroit Christian
Life Remodeled
Lighthouse of Michigan
Grace Centers of Hope
Pontiac Community Foundation

Pontiac Campus | Food Pantry
2^nd and 4^th Friday of each month | 2PM-4PM
Contact: 248-499-6416

Warren Campus | Thrift Closet and Food Pantry
Wednesdays 1-7pm
Food Pantry hours are Mondays (noon-4pm) and Fridays (9am-noon)
Contact: ryanrussel@woodsidebible.org

Lake Orion Campus | Food Pantry
Mondays and Wednesdays |10:30AM-2:30PM
Contact: 248-481-8069
VillageFoodPantry@woodsidebible.org
Food donations accepted

▶️ Provide Love and Support to 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 currently over 13,000 children in foster care in the state of Michigan. You can help provide a home and become an advocate for the parentless by supporting organizations that are bridging the gap (Psalm 68:5-6).

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

▶️ 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:

Learn More:
Forgotten Man Ministry
Prison Fellowship

▶️ 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 restpre hope to trafficking victims in southeastern Michigan (Luke 4:18):

Suggested Organizations:
All Worthy of Love
Hope Against Trafficking
Our Daughters International