In our sermon series in the last few weeks at church, my Pastor has been referring often to Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” I have thought about the part that says, “accomplish more than we might ask or think”. But I now see the part that says, “through his mighty power at work within us”. Within us… Within us!!!

Of course I have known that, God, is able to work within us. This isn’t the first time I have heard this message or viewed this scripture. Maybe not even the 20^th time I have heard it. But isn’t it amazing how God can suddenly take something that we know and spark it into something new? That verse says that God is able to work mightily more than we might ask or think through us! Not just some unknown character, He means you and me! We are God’s mighty plan for shining His light into this world. We are God’s mighty plan for making a difference in our homes, neighborhoods, churches, cities, counties, states, countries, and this world. I would love to hear about how God is working through you. We all have a story and by sharing that story, we encourage others. Post your thoughts on our Facebook page, Twitter, or email us: admin@meettheneed.org .

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“I worked in the kitchen again on Friday and it was very fun! Just working with the others and meeting some more teenagers my age while I was working made it even more enjoyable!” – Nani, Metropolitan Ministries

There are many examples of God using young people to do make a difference. Joshua was Moses’ assistant from a very young age (Numbers 11:28).  The scouts who went to Jericho were young men (Joshua 6:23).  Jeremiah was called to be a prophet when he was a child(Jeremiah 1:5-7).  David was a boy when he fought Goliath (1 Samuel 17:33).  And let’s not forget about Esther!

In the New Testament, Paul’s nephew who warned him about a plot on his life (Acts 23:16-22) and there was the boy with bread and fish that Jesus used to feed the five thousand (John 6:9).

We love to hear about how young people are a part of serving those in need and sharing God’s love. Keep up the good work!

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“What a great day we had. Our life group came together and got a lot done for the <Family> Home. Even the children were lending a hand. It feels great to be a part of such a giving Church ministry. I think we had about 25 people that helped between the two life groups today. What a blessing.” – Steve, Calvary Cares Day

Sometimes I hear people say, “I can’t make that big of a difference. I am only one person.” But this thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. Our efforts really do count. When we serve, we change the lives around us. And when we serve together, the impact is hugely multiplied. What kind of service can you offer someone? Inspire your life group, friends, or neighbors to serve with you. Search for needs now and see what speaks to your heart. www.MeetTheNeed.org

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Romans 5:1-8

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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“Dear Children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” (1 John 3:18)

The fruit of our relationship with our Father is seen by what we do. The love that He has in us overflows to those around us. We all have something to offer.  There is a place for you.  Are you experiencing discontent within the community, our nation, or the world? There is a place for you!

“I felt so good about myself after the day was over! I was glad that I came out to help assist building part of the house for the Family. Since I am young, I didn’t think I would be asked to do much, but I was wrong. Anyone can volunteer for Habitat for Humanity!” – Elina

There is a place for you! Go to www.meettheneed.org and Search for Community Needs in your area.

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Blessor or Blessee?

“…I enjoyed a fabulous time volunteering in the baby room. I loved getting the chance to play with them and hold such sweet little kids. This ministry is a blessing, not only to the people who receive food, but also to the volunteers to be a part of serving God by helping people.” Dana – Hope for the Holidays in Brandon

I used think of “volunteering” as a task. Something that needed to be added to my To-Do list. I would struggle with feeling torn between helping others and taking time away from my family. Then, I opened my heart and God moved. I found the joy in selflessly helping others and living out God’s instructions to care for “the least of these”. And then I found that instead of being the blessor, I became the blessee.

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1/17/11

Why should you reach out to the community to serve and bless? Why do we do what we do?  Here’s why!

“I thought that all hope was lost on me and my two kids, and then there you were with your hand saying, ‘Can I help you up?’ You have given me the best gift of all to see a smile on my kids’ faces on Christmas and letting me know there is hope. Thank you.”

- Rebecca, Metropolitan Ministries Recipient

You can be a part of something bigger. Something eternal. Give hope. Give help. And change lives through showing God’s love to the world around you.

Search for needs now at www.meettheneed.org.

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“Several young adults invited me to volunteer with them at the Metropolitan Ministries Prayer Chapel. When we arrived, we were given instructions from the team who volunteered before us and we jumped right in. During our shift, we heard everything from pure joy to heartbreak.  It was amazing to hear the honesty of many of the people that came through that day.  What was more amazing was that no matter the circumstances, there was great faith that so many had.  As we prayed, they joyfully agreed and were thanking us for the blessings of that day.  We felt that we were truly blessed by being able to serve, for we had watched God’s faithfulness first hand.” Todd Leet – Van Dyke Church

If you haven’t taken the opportunity to serve recently, we encourage you to make the time and see first hand how God can move through you.

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Is There a Season For Giving?

Matthew 9:36 – 38 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

In the world we live in, we never stop seeing the needs of people living in unfortunate circumstances. The harvest is always ready. Even though Christmas has past, there is still so much that needs to be done. So many more needs that must be filled. I challenge you to think creatively. To use the gifts, talents, and resources that God has given you. What has God enabled you to do and how can you use that skill to help others? Can you help someone find a job? Fix someone’s car? Help build a house? Assist in a medical clinic? Give love to motherless children? Donate those clothes and toys that haven’t seen the light of day for a year?

There is a calling on your life and it is so much greater than what you can see or imagine. The impact that you can make in this world will go beyond what you will immediately see. Make the “season for giving” last the entire year.

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Over the last couple of months, I have spoken to people more and more about how they can “serve” their community and share God’s love through that service. I have heard several people say that they weren’t sure what they could do or wonder if they have anything to offer. I love to give the good news that God has equipped everyone to make a difference! He has already given us everything we need to serve AND be a God-Bringer in the process. The testimony below about volunteering with Joining Hands Community Mission says quite a bit about who can serve.

“I am a third year AmeriCorps VISTA – Volunteer in Service to America, so you could say I volunteer for a living, and this was the best volunteer experience I have ever had. There were so many people there to help and answer questions. The woman who helped me register when I first walked in was so knowledgeable and professional that I thought she was a long-time volunteer. I asked her when she started volunteering with Joining Hands and she told me since 8 a.m. this morning. It was her first day! I had such a wonderful time. The people were friendly, and the red aprons made sure I always had something to do. I also really enjoyed seeing even the children doing significant jobs like personal shopping. The fact that they were able to take on that task, is testament to how organized the process is.” – Nicole, Tarpon Springs

All you need to do is partner with a ministry whose mission speaks to your heart. Then see what you can do to serve and be a God-Bringer!

For more information on Joining Hands Community Mission go to their website at www.joininghandsmission.org .

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