Service Opportunities
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” “…Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:34-36,40
Christlike Service is Personal
One night I took my 16 year old son, Christian, to the gas station about 10pm for a soda. While he was inside, I noticed a middle aged woman, who appeared distraught, sitting on a patch of grass with a large plastic bag by her side. When Christian came back to the car I told him to ask her if she was hungry. He spoke to her briefly and went back into the store. If it had been me, I would have handed her the food and wished her a good night. Instead, when he came out, he gave her a sandwich and water and sat down next to her and listened while she poured her heart out for about 20 minutes. In that moment I pictured Christ sitting next to her. Christian had given her spiritual food while I would have only given her physical food. Whatever trials she was going through, for those 20 minutes she had felt the love of God.
One of the best ways to serve is to simply take the time to listen. The first and best place to start is in your own home. Listen to members of your family. Years ago a friend of mine gave me the advice to look your children in the eyes when you talk or listen to them. It is a small change you will find makes a big difference. In your prayers ask to be directed to someone who needs a call, a letter, or a visit. You never knows who may need a listening ear. Find ways to connect with people you interact with in you day to day life. Remember every stranger you cross paths with is someone God loves.
Just Serve
If you are looking for a way to serve in your community check out the Just Serve website. Whether it be for an hour, an afternoon, or a regular commitment, you can find a service opportunity for you and your family. If you need volunteers for your organization you can add yourself to the site and connect with volunteers in your community.
“JustServe is a service to help link community volunteer needs with volunteers and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in posting projects or in encouraging volunteers to serve according to our guidelines.“
A Child’s Hope Foundation
If you would like to serve children in Mexico or Haiti you have the option to donate to various programs or actually go and serve in person. Check out their website https://www.achildshopefoundation.org/
How You’re Lifting Orphans
Of the millions of children estimated to be orphaned in the world, the vast majority suffer from psychological and physical difficulties caused by abuse and neglect. We’re here to support orphanage leaders who want to provide loving, family-style environments where the children can thrive. Thanks to donors and advocates like you, we can help these leaders raise their standards of care in order to more fully meet each child’s unique needs. “