The Joy of Helping the Needy

Helping the Needy: Where Do We Begin?

We live in a world with overwhelming humanitarian needs, writes Lorie Newman in her book A Cup of Cold Water in His Name: 60 Ways to Care for the Needy. 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 per day, 1.1 billion people lack access to potable water, 19 million people in America are considered “working poor,” a child dies of hunger every 5 seconds. With so many needs, where do we even begin? Does helping just one person really matter? The answer is found in Matthew 25:40 where Jesus says, “Whatever you have done to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done it to me.” One really does matter. You can help the needy around you in practical, creative ways.

Clothing the Naked

“I needed clothes, and you clothed me.” Matthew 25:36

In today’s economy, some people may have the skills needed to get a job, but lack the professional attire needed to even pursue an interview. One unique idea is donate business attire to Careergear.org, DressforSuccess.org or even the American Red Cross. They take donations and give them to those who need them. Or if you and your friends have children or grandchildren who have outgrown their clothes, consider starting a clothing closet where foster parents can come and get clothing free of charge for children in their care. In an act of kindness as simple as donating clothing, you can tangibly touch the lives of people you may never even meet.

Caring for the Sick

“I was sick and you looked after me.” Matthew 25:36

Waiting for someone to come out of surgery is an anxious time for loved ones. A simple way to show the love of Christ to those waiting is to make care baskets for hospital waiting rooms. In a large basket, put items that you think will be used by family members confined to a waiting room such as bottled water, crackers, mints, notepads, pens and scripture cards. Be sure to make a small sign for your basket explaining that items are free to take. You may need to replenish them often. Always ask at the nurses’ desk if you can place the care baskets in the waiting room before doing so. If you make an extra basket just for the nurses at their station, you are sure to get a resounding yes!

Ministering to the Prisoner

“For I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:36

There are more than 400,000 children in foster care in the US. Most people don’t think of foster children as being “captive,” but foster care can be a lonely place for many children. One idea to get your church involved is to make beaded bracelets with foster children’s names on them and give them out to church members, (adoptuskids.org gives first names of foster children in each state). They can then pray for the child on their bracelet by name. You can also teach life skills to foster children who are turning 18 and “aging-out” of state care. Many of them don’t have necessary life skills such as sewing a button, balancing a checkbook, or cooking a simple meal. Hosting a “Life Skills Day” at a group home is a great project for a church group.

Don’t Wait for an Army

When it comes to helping the needy, you don’t need to muster up an army before you begin. Just look around you! Is there a little boy across the street without a dad who needs someone to teach him to catch a baseball? Is there a widower in your neighborhood who needs his hedges trimmed? Is there a lonely elderly woman on the pew next to you at church who could use a smile? Is there room at your Thanksgiving table to invite a college student who can’t go home for the holidays? Is there a little girl in your life who may need someone to treat her like a princess and take her to a movie? Take the time to look at your own life and ask God to open your eyes to the needs that may be right around you.