The conversation from a few weeks ago keeps surfacing in my mind. A new friend and I chatted about how children in difficult family situations exist all around us, and yet so many of us look past them every day.
We really do care, but we don’t always know how to act — what’s appropriate, what’s manageable, where to start, etc.
And while many incredible ministries and help organizations assist in a variety of ways, some areas are still overlooked or underrepresented.
For instance, children who are not taught proper hygiene and have no one assisting them in that area need guidance.
We can’t expect elementary and middle school-aged students to know what to do without someone teaching them. And even then, they need access to hygienic resources.
‘Make a difference’
What are ways churches and other ministry groups could partner with schools to make a difference in this area without embarrassing the children in need?
I remember how sad I felt for the kids in my classes through the years who weren’t clean. They were picked on and pretty much isolated to themselves.
My heart hurt for them and I always wanted to help, but I didn’t know how. And while I decided to be kind to them when others weren’t, I still didn’t actually give them a way out of their situation.
Along with teaching children and families in this situation about cleanliness and providing access to soap and water, we also could help them maintain a closet of clean clothes.
Think about the difference in a child’s confidence who shows up at school in freshly washed and dried clothes that fit correctly and blend in with modern styles versus a child forced to wear the same soured hand-me- down outfits day after day.
It’s not so much about keeping up with the latest fashions but caring for a child’s hygiene and comfort in general, which also leads to better physical health as well as stronger emotional health and emotional intelligence.
And with less stress taking place emotionally, the child will have more room mentally to learn and develop, which also spills over into other areas of life. Even his or her sleep will likely be better with freshly laundered sheets.
Who knows the difference clean clothes might make in the long run for that child already enduring daily ridicule at age 6 or 7.
‘A glimpse of Jesus’
We’ve all seen how one or two simple opportunities can truly change the course of a person’s life, and when those who are reaching out are people of faith, a watching world gets the added bonus of seeing a glimpse of Jesus.
As far as serving a family by washing their clothes, I can’t wait to see how God works and am praying for Him to show me exactly how to help while also drawing others to similar opportunities.
With the genuine love I experience every day among Alabama Baptists, I’m confident we can truly make a difference.
It might be through our disaster relief laundry units and volunteers, or maybe a young career person partnering with a retiree to each play a part (one picks up and delivers while the other washes, dries and folds).
The result could also be affordable neighborhood laundromats set up and managed by churches in low-income communities. The facility could also offer ministry-based services such as after-school tutoring, job skills training, creative classes, Bible studies and disciple-making sessions — all scheduled within the timeframe of washing and drying a load of laundry.
Let us know if you are already serving in this way — or discover an opportunity in your community — so we can learn from your efforts.
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