Support ADRA: Across the globe, one person in five lives on less than a dollar a day-and one in seven suffers chronic hunger. ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) works in more than 120 countries, fulfilling Christ's commission to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and heal the sick. Although ADRA is an SDA organization, only 7 percent of its funds come from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Imagine what ADRA could accomplish if more Adventists donated money. Imagine how many children would have clean water to drink. Imagine how many mothers would have access to prenatal care. To get involved, visit the ADRA Web site at www.adra.org or call 1-800-424-2372. Ask for the brochure "Do Something." And then do something to change a person's life in a radical way.
Teach a Sabbath school class: After a long week, most of us like to relax on Sabbath. Teaching kids, adults, and especially the teen classes can seem daunting. But when it comes to keeping the young people in church, a dynamic youth program is a great place to start. Parents with small children are more likely to feel welcome if there is a warm place for their little ones. And adults are less likely to sleep in if they are challenged and spiritually fed during the lesson study.
Care for the homeless: "Will work for food," the cardboard sign reads. Normally we are rushing to work, to school, to church. If I give money he might use it for liquor, we think, looking the other way and feeling helpless. Making care packages is one answer. You can be elaborate or simple. A care bag (with toothbrush, toothpaste, an umbrella, a blanket, safety pins, a pair of socks, a comb, a travel Bible, granola bars, nuts, raisins, chips, etc.) is something you could carry in the car, ready for the next time you see someone in need. Another option is buying 10 Happy Meals at McDonald's and driving around town delivering them to the homeless. Another fabulous way to help is to volunteer regularly at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen. Look in the yellow pages to find one near you.
Start a Bible Study Group: After living in our neighborhood for five years, we knew only a few families. Imagine my surprise when I came home from college and discovered that suddenly my mom knew everyone. One Sunday afternoon she had walked around the neighborhood inviting women to an interdenominational Bible Study Group. Five ladies showed up and for several years they worshipped in our home, growing closer to God and each other. And the other neighbors? They were delighted that my mom had broken the ice. There is something special about studying God's Word in a small group. Whether you invite neighbors or church members, you're certain to be blessed.
Become a foster parent: If you're up for the challenge of changing a life in a concrete and powerful way, consider becoming a foster parent. There are more children that need homes than families willing to provide them. Ask any social worker, and he or she will tell you that loving families with Christian values are scarce. If you're interested, contact your state's department of family services.
Practice hospitality: The gift of hospitality is perhaps underappreciated. But I can think of many times when I was far from home and a warm meal and a welcoming family made my week. I knew one family who always prepared extra food on Friday and then at church looked for someone to invite home. Having visitors every week might infringe on family time, but if hospitality is your gift, consider having someone over once a month or every two weeks. If you have small children, fix something special for them so that they see visitors as an unmitigated treat.
Donate blood: Voluntarily offering up your arm to a needle might not be your idea of a good time. But considering the thousands of people blood transfusions save, it is time well spent. Donating blood takes only an hour, yet only five percent of eligible donors give blood. To learn more about where you can give the gift of life, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.givelife.org.
Find your niche: One of the joys of helping others is the variety of opportunities available. Perhaps your calling is literature evangelism. Perhaps it's visiting someone in the nursing home. Perhaps it's joining prison ministries. Perhaps it's doing lawn work for an elderly neighbor, driving for meals on wheels, becoming a big brother or big sister. If you earnestly look, you'll find ways to help others. Talking to your church pastor is a good starting point. No matter what you do, you'll know that you're making a difference. As Arthur Ashe said: "From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life."
