MOSES LAKE — There is an old saying that often gets thrown around in Christian circles that goes like this: “The Christian church is a melting pot of society.” As cliché as it may be, that statement rang true Saturday night in the Moses Lake High School theater, as a cross-section of the community from various different churches, backgrounds and faith traditions came together to celebrate the blessing that Serve Moses Lake has been in the community.

This year's Serve Moses Lake benefit concert centered around the theme of “Out of the Darkness: The God who Hears our Cry,” with local musicians, an adult choir and a child ensemble all performing musical pieces that highlighted God's steadfast love for those in darkness and his desire to see them step into the light.

“Tonight has been all about focusing in on a God who sees. A God who hears. A God who listens. A God who responds to our cry,” Serve Moses Lake director Tim Cloyd told the crowd. “When we are in distress we cry out, 'oh Lord.' And he hears our cry.”

From classic hymns of yesterday to the contemporary songs of today, the concert was molded by, and drew inspiration from, Psalm 107, which describes a God who leads those who are lost in darkness, into the light. The night's theme mirrors what Serve Moses Lake has done and strives to do every day in its ministry; be a light in the community and help bring people out of the darkness.

“We are called to be a calming presence in the midst of people's storms. Be quick to listen. Speak peace and light. Share your testimony of what God has done for you,” Cloyd told the crowd. “This is exactly what Serve Moses Lake has been called to do by the Lord. We are striving to be a visible, practical expression of the body of Christ in this community.”

Serve Moses Lake is a non-profit organization consisting of Moses Lake Ministerial Association member churches. The organization was designed to enable the local church to serve people in need. People who have a need come in for an intake appointment and are connected to a local church and/or agency to address their specific need. Serve Moses Lake takes a holistic approach to its ministry by offering a range of services to meet physical needs, as well as spiritual.

Saturday's night's benefit went a long way in aiding Serve Moses Lake in its many ventures, as there was an offering taken up to support the organization.

“Won't you join? Won't you help us? Will you support us?” Cloyd asked the crowd.

Cloyd noted that there are several ways to support Serve Moses Lake rather than monetarily. From being a prayer partner to volunteering at the organization's Third Avenue location, he said, there are several different ways that the community can support Serve Moses Lake. For more information on the organization, contact 509-764-8276.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbianasinherald.com.