5-Alarm Community
At Westside, the belief that we are better together is an important part of our identity in Jesus. It’s a belief that drives us into community and a commitment to serve others. But what if life suddenly flips the script, and you’re the one placed in the role or recipient? How does that impact your ego, your pride, and your perspective of serving and community?
That’s the very position the Jayne family found themselves in earlier this year when a devastating fire ravaged their home. While fire crews rushed to the scene, a different kind of fire ignited as the Westside community rushed in to wrap our family around the Jaynes.
When Leanne Jayne made nachos for Westside Speedway’s Student Midweek in early February this year, she had no idea the heat they would carry. She can laugh about that now, but on that day, it was no laughing matter.
As LeAnne carried the food to the car, her husband came up the stairs to ask if she smelled something. At that moment, Leanne and her husband, Byron, looked out the window. Their backyard was filled with thick smoke. In the middle of a renovation, something had gone awry, and the chimney had caught fire. The top floor of their home was in flames.
The pair immediately went to work getting their dog and four boys (ages 12-18 at the time of the fire) all out of the house. They later realized if the fire had happened at night, there was a high likelihood an escape would have been impossible.
The house suffered heavy fire, smoke, and water damage. But what the Jayne family lost in material items, they were about to learn what treasure they had gained in their Westside community.
For the last 17 years, the Jaynes have called Westside their home. When the church announced a new site at Speedway, they jumped on board to help get it off the ground. They’ve served in kids and student ministries and various roles in between. Still, they were unprepared for the tidal wave of love, care, and generosity that was about to wash over them — and how it would impact their faith.
“I’ve always believed it’s important to serve and give to others, but when it’s turned around, and you are in a moment of need — that’s a totally different ball game,” Leanne reflected.
They Jayne’s pup settles into their temporary home.
The night of the fire, as the family settled in at LeAnne’s parent’s small home, Jeff and Joan Shearer, owners of Cider Hill Orchards, reached out—to this day, LeAnne still doesn’t know how they found out about the fire so quickly. The Shearers had an extra short-term rental home on their property, and miraculously, there were reservations. They wanted the Jaynes to know the house was theirs, rent-free, until they could find something more permanent.
As the Jaynes settled into their new temporary home at Cider Hill, Westsiders began showing up on their porch with laundry baskets full of food, toiletries, and other items. Other Westsiders took the four boys out to shop for necessities and games.
“It was overwhelming. Your pride says, ‘I can do this,’ I felt bad taking things from people. That’s when my friend Joan pulled me aside one day and told me, ‘You need to put your pride aside and let people love you.’ It really was such a blessing.”
The Jayne family will never forget how Westside wrapped loving care around them. In fact, they will forever be changed by the experience.
“It was a total surprised to me how many people from Westside and our community showed up for us,” Leanne said. “I just couldn’t believe what it felt like to be on the receiving side. It’s definitely heightened our relationship with the Lord as we see first-hand the importance and joy of giving, and being there for someone in a moment of need is priceless.”
Grateful for the support and care these past several months, the Jaynes will move into their new home in late September. Thank you, Westside! This is what true Christ-like community, generosity, and service look like.