Fellowship Memphis

The Rhodes family: Charlie, Elisabeth, Silas (8), Jasper (3), Pippa (3), and Lainey (7 months)

January 14th was the day that significantly changed our life as we knew it. It began as a typical crazy Friday: Charlie off to work, me driving Silas to school, then dropping off Jasper and Pippa at Parents Day Out. Lainey and I returned home briefly before meeting Silas’ class at the Brooks Museum for a field trip. While enjoying our time at the museum, my phone rang and I answered only to hear my sister say, “Honey, your house is on fire!” Of course, the next 5 minutes or so that it took to grab Silas and drive home were an eternity. We could see thick black smoke billowing a block away. We arrived to our street being blocked off by the police and fire trucks gridlocked on our street. The firemen fought very hard to save our house. Miraculously they found our dog and saved his life. Before Charlie and I could even grasp that all we had left was what we were wearing, God began providing. His hands and feet showed up tangibly as precious family, neighbors, friends and strangers began bringing clothes, food, donations, encouragement and prayer. He overflowed our cup with blessings. The loss was bearable because of God’s provision through his people. I just want to shout GOD IS GOOD even in our darkest hours! Thank you to those of you who prayed for us - It is the only thing that kept us functioning! Thank you to the first responders who organized the chaos, moved furniture, washed clothes, brought food and clothes. Thank you to all who gave to us so generously. We feel like the richest family in town because of the generosity but more importantly because of the shower of love on us. This is not the first time that the body of Christ at Fellowship has blessed us beyond measure. We are humbled by the sacrificial giving of people’s precious time and resources to minister to our family. May God’s blessings of unity, love, forgiveness and generosity continue to be poured out on Fellowship. May Christ Jesus be praised!

The Rhodes are renting a house in midtown. They still need chests of drawers and some small kitchen appliances. If you would like to help, contact Elisabeth at .