About three months ago I signed up to attend a Nursing Home Outreach. Most people who are close to me know what a stretch this was for me, because I have a hard time talking to people much less people so much older than me. God called me to serve and I was following wherever He was leading. He led me to an outreach at Whealdon Estates. We were playing Wii games and painting finger nails. I was petrified! God was stretching me way outside of my comfort zone. I prayed He would use me to be a blessing to those I would meet, that they would see Jesus in my smile, my awesome bowling maneuvers and shaky manicures.

After my initial nerves wore off, I noticed an older gentleman standing by the door glancing over my way every so often. He had the saddest blue eyes. I walked over and tried to engage him in the activities, but he wasn’t interested. As it turned out, he had just lost his wife and was having a hard time adjusting. He seemed lost and in need of companionship. He was very apologetic and didn’t want to take up my time. I let him know that he was exactly why I came there to spend my Saturday.

God spared me the manicures, and I got to spend the next hour and a half listening to a wonderful soul share his stories with me. He had many questions and conflicts about religion and which one was best, and what was my thought. I chose to answer his questions by telling him about my relationship with Jesus and how He has changed my heart and opened my eyes. I told him it was just that simple, and we were the ones who complicate things.

I left Whealdon Estates with a new friend and a heart so full I thought it might burst. I was so worried about being good enough to bless the residents. When I turned it over to God and let go of my worries, I was the one who was so incredibly blessed.

Amy

If you were one of the 500+ volunteers that came out to Servolution on Saturday then you got to see first-hand how many lives were touched. If you didn’t make it out, here’s what you missed: 4000 packs of gum, 2200 bottles of water, 150 hot dogs, 100 burgers, 800 peices of fried chicken, 143 bags of grocercies, 720 cold drinks, hundreds of fingernails polished, 60 yards cleaned, 2 1/2 houses painted, dozens of cars washed, hundreds of jumpshots, 50+ medical/dental appointments and too many other items to mention.

Along with the games and give-aways, this is what else we did: prayed for people, offered hope, fed the hungry, healed the sick, visited widows, played with orphans, shared the Gospel, cleaned neighborhoods, remembered the forgotten and demonstrated Jesus-style serving. Hundreds of volunteers reached out and touched thousands of lives. That’s how God does math.

Servolution was a great day, but it’s just the beginning. We have the ability to make every day Servolution in our own lives. We don’t need 4000 packs of gum; we can start with one stick offered to a co-worker. We can pay for a stranger’s coffee, invite a new friend to dinner, cut the neighbor’s yard while we’re cutting our own. There are dozens of opportunities to show the love of Jesus every day…we just need to watch for them. Serving others doesn’t have to be an outreach; it can be a lifestyle. Let’s live it!

Donna Frank
Volunteer

JUST DO IT!

Deciding to get out there and do something is the first step. So many times the one thing that is missing is the willingness to just get out there and try. We serve a big God, there is no need to be afraid. Get your church staff and leaders behind the idea of serving your community and starting a Servolution.

IDENTIFY THE NEED

The best way to define the need is to look and ask. Look around your community and see what is going on. There is no lack of need in our world. What sports leagues are playing, what community events are happening, what do you see in your community. You can look at community calendars or drive around, but if you pay attention you will see a need. It does not have to be a big need or even an urgent one. It can be something simple like cold water on a hot day, a hot meal to hard workers or fresh gum for bad breath. Look around and think about what you think people would like to have and bless them with it.

It is also good to ask. In most communities, people think the church always wants a handout. It is a refreshing change when the church asks people, “What can we do for you?” Ask your city officials, school boards, and residents what they need. It may be something small that is easy to do. It may be a big job that nobody has been able to do, but you can pull it off if you rally the troops. The greatest way to gain influence is to serve. The best way to serve is find a need and meet it. You may be surprised at what you find if you look hard enough.

There are lots of great resources to help you get inspired and help create the DNA of servanthood in your church and community. Below are just a few books that can help you along your way.

• Jesus-Style by Gayle Erwin
• Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren
• The Externally-Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson
• In My Own Words by Mother Teresa
• In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen
• Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron Sider
• Orphans, Widows, the Poor and Oppressed by Derek Prince
• In His Steps by Charles Sheldon
• Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas