Different organizations and people have different ideas about what service is. Here’s what we believe.
Jesus was talking to a group of people and he separated them into a group on the right and called them sheep. He said they did good because they gave food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, clothes to the naked, attention and time to people sick or in prison. We believe in meeting people wherever they are and walking alongside them as they recover, rebuild, and restore after disaster. We believe some people are called to standing on a corner and sharing God’s love verbally, but that’s not us. We share God’s love by meeting material needs.
- “Serving” vs. “Helping”- “Helping” implies a power or status differential. The image of “helping” is reaching “down” from our elevated position to help “those less fortunate.” We serve, not help. We are no better than those we serve.
- No strings attached for those we serve.
- Partnering with an agency or church in the community we are serving is best practice. We put ourselves under the authority of the partnering agency. They are the experts of the community and the people developing long term relationships with the homeowners we serve.
- We don’t want to contribute to creating cultures of dependence.
- We avoid actions or words that diminish anyone’s dignity.
- We are not coming to “rescue” anyone or be the “Hero.”
- We have much to learn from the communities we go to.
- Sometimes, getting out of your own backyard helps you see the need in your neighborhood. We spend a week serving others. The time we spend away helps us see and respond to the needs in our own neighborhoods.
“These mission trips have taught me to take the time to hear their stories. Everyone, wherever you are has a story!!! God has put you in that exact space and that exact time for a reason.”— Roma Bassi • Hale, MI
