The government should not be the only solution for helping others in need.
First, why not have more individuals and churches step-up to the plate? Many churches have done wonders and have a real passion for helping others. Yet, there may be many churches that could do much, much more.
Churches could take a “resource assessment” of what skills and talents their membership possess. Then take a “needs assessment” to identify the needs of the members or those in the community. People helping people is a powerful strategy and there can be life-changing events for everyone – the giver and receiver.
Many people are too proud to ask for help. This is understandable. Some people in need sometimes appear to be bitter, angry, mistrustful and negative. They are only exhibiting a deep fear inside. Yes, they may have deep fears because they feel alone. They feel helpless. Their outlook is bleak. These people need help but they need to be approached in ways that are sensitive to what is going on inside their minds and lives.
If individuals are not church-goers, they can look for individual opportunities to help others in need. Some individuals are strained financially or have little spare time. It is difficult to reach out to others. This is understandable. Yet, many people do want to help others; they just don't know where to start.
They are capable of helping others financially as well as with their time. Being a “secret angel” might be another life-changing event for both giver and receiver. Maybe you have a kid in the neighborhood and he or she is from a poor family. You see the kid working a job with real dedication whether it’s a paper route or in the local grocery store.
In the next blog post, I will tell you how you might respond.
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