#ElevatedFriday July 21st, 2017

With the myriad of troublesome news stories covered each week by the national news, we all need a little pick me up by the end of the week. That is why on Friday’s going forward, Elevated Discourse will highlight a little covered positive story from that week, naming this effort #ElevatedFriday.

This past week in Toronto, a retired mechanic named Adi Astl noticed that a park in his community had a steep hill near the entrance, and that many of his neighbors had fallen trying to enter the park. When a staircase was requested, the city of Toronto estimated the project to cost between $65,000 - $150,000. Instead of accepting that judgement by the city, Adi spent $550 of his own money, and hired a local homeless man to help him build the staircase – completing the project in just a few hours! Of the generous deed Adi remarked, “To me, the safety of people is more important than money. So if the city is not willing to do it, I have to do it myself.”

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he closes by urging Titus to stress the importance of good deeds in his preaching, saying, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” Doing good, selfless deeds like Adi Astl for our community is what we are called to do by Jesus. Being a light in darkness requires taking personal responsibility for the well-being of others. Pray today for the spirit of service and courage to take responsibility for the welfare of your community.

"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives." -- Titus 3:14 NIV

**Original article: http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/2310/Man-Hires-Homeless-Man-And-Builds-Park-Stairs-For-550-After-City-Estimates-65-000-150-000-For-The-Project