Braving Texas Heat for the Gift of Time

Did you know that the average American adult spends around 70 hours every year taking care of their lawn? For widows and single moms, that can mean a tradeoff of precious time spent with their kids or family. Nearly a decade ago, a group of men here at Milestone saw this as a perfect opportunity to join together and give some of that time back.

From day one, James Hudson and his teams have been making a difference in the lives of families throughout our community. “Lawn care can involve a lot of different things, like mowing, edging, and weed-eating—all things that have to be done, but take time. The way we see it, single moms are trying to be the mom, the dad, the breadwinner, and everything else. They have to take their kid to the soccer game on Saturday morning, and all the other things they have going on. So, we let them focus on something that’s, frankly, more important. Go love on your kids; let us take care of your yard!”

“Go love on your kids; let us take care of your yard!”

Even in the brutal 110 degree heat of the Texas summer, lawn mowers and equipment are loaded up in trailers, trucks beds, and even a Mini Cooper, as Milestone Lawn Ministry volunteers head out every week to make sure these single moms and widows have one less thing to care for.

In addition to normal weekly lawn care, special tree trimming, and other landscaping, gift vouchers are given out every year at Joy, Milestone Women’s annual Christmas event, for free winter cleanup to all of the widows that attend. “It’s just something nice to give them, one less thing they have to worry about come December. Instead of thinking they’ve gotta go out and pick up 40 bags of leaves on their own, and everything else in their yard, they’ve got Milestone men that can come do that for them.”

When James talks about the Milestone Lawn Ministry, he lights up as he shares the incredible stories of life change, and brotherhood he’s seen, both in lives of the women they serve, and the volunteers. From helping the families and widows of former volunteers who tragically passed away, to the wife of an active duty US soldier serving overseas, the Lawn Ministry teams have been standing in the gap.

“it’s cool to watch generations, fathers and sons, partner together to serve…and impart wisdom to each other”

It’s also been a great way for men in our community to get plugged in and serve. “For some guys, greeting or ushering may not be their thing, but they know how to use a mower or weed whip and enjoy working in the yard. We’ve got 32 volunteers now, paired in teams of two, and spanning over 40 years in age, so it’s really cool to watch as different generations, and fathers and sons partner together to serve these families, and at the same time impart wisdom to each other!”

Our heart has always been to care for and serve widows, single moms, and their families, and the Milestone Lawn Ministry is just one of the many examples of spiritual family in action. If you are interested in joining the Milestone Lawn Ministry volunteer team, please send us an email at missions@milestonechurch.com.