Feedback to the March 31 Rashional Thoughts editorial “How are you sensing God leading you to make a difference?” came quickly, and each message continues to warm my heart.
Sharon shared how God is impressing on her some ideas for an affordable community-based, ministry-focused laundromat setting. She said she would like to explore what might actually be possible.
Melissa noted how she keeps a stash of clean clothes in her classroom for students who need something fresh to wear.
“I feel every bit of that article,” she wrote.
Other current and retired teachers sent words of encouragement and appreciation for highlighting the need of helping school children have access to clean and properly fitting clothes.
‘Tremendous generosity’
Barbara provided an incredible outline of ministries her church is already doing with the school it adopted.
We’ll feature their story in an upcoming issue of TAB, including tips they suggest for walking alongside a school.
The ministry began with establishing a clothing closet for needs that might arise during the school day and expanded from there, Barbara explained.
“We have learned to just be open to whatever comes next, and we have received notice of needs in so many categories,” she said, including health care and hygiene products, healthy snacks, grief support, meals and other treats for teachers and even various household items for students’ families in need.
Right before Easter, they delivered food boxes and baskets of treats to six families.
“We have seen tremendous generosity from our congregation,” Barbara said. “News has traveled of our clothing outreach, and we receive anonymous donations as well as funds from businesses in other cities.”
They have plans to expand the effort going forward and are diligent in their commitment to love others with no expectations in return, she added.
“We believe this is sharing and caring for others,” Barbara said. “All services are no strings attached.”
You’ll find another example of a church meeting the needs of its community by providing tutoring and a safe space for students (read story here).
Church leaders across the state also have shared how they are reevaluating their ministry efforts overall, including how they spend their time and money.
They are taking more time to assess their surroundings and zero in on meeting the needs of the community where they are planted.
Awareness is key
It means spending time getting to know the neighbors and truly looking for areas needing a little help.
From there, it’s important to match volunteers with the ministry efforts that make their souls sing rather than merely plugging in “warm bodies,” as Hunter Smith describes in his opinion piece here.
And as Hunter mentions, starting early when it comes to strategizing, planning and recruiting is key.
The school year is quickly coming to a close, so it’s the perfect time to evaluate what’s possible with the start of the new school year in the fall.
It’s also a good time to send notes of encouragement and other treats to teachers and school staff to help them finish strong. They also likely will need help cleaning and refreshing their rooms during the summer months.
And what about all the children and teenagers who could benefit from structured activities outside of the school year?
What possibilities exist beyond Vacation Bible School without requesting assistance from the schoolteachers among the congregation? They really do need the mental break.
Are there young people in your community who could learn important life skills and grow in Christ at the same time — or even meet Christ for the first time — if someone would sponsor them for the summer missions or ministry opportunity at your church or a week at one of our Baptist camps?
And who are the single parents in your community? What are ways your congregation might provide a little relief for them?
The homebound and isolated older adults who might not always share their needs are another group to check on this summer.
The possibilities truly are endless in ways to make a difference in the community. Wherever you sense God leading, let us know. We love hearing how God is moving and celebrating what He is doing among His people.
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