The Bible has many life lessons that can be applied even in today’s culture. The Bible works, even today. It’s not just some old book that has history, it’s the living word of God, and just as His word says – everything shall pass away in due time, but His word will remain forever.
The Bible also says those in Christ are the body. What exactly does that mean? Well, we work together to get things done. Everyone has a place in the body of Christ, and the best place to be in the body is in your own place. You shouldn’t look at others and compare yourself to them. Many hands make light loads, and when we work together we can achieve bigger and better things, and this helps the will of God come forth. That’s exactly what the youth from North-Mar Church in Warren and Westgate Chapel Church in Toledo are doing.
The groups spent their Tuesday, one of three days, working locally and serving those who are down on luck.
The occasion was dubbed SERVE in which the youth groups became “the hands and feet of Jesus” for three days. They will assist individuals by managing lawns, picking up litter, pulling weeds, mulching, and other various errands, for local chapel members who may need a hand.
“We want to help those who have experienced a loss or hardships, the elderly, or those facing poverty. We are providing a helping hand,” said Ricky Glenn, a middle school youth pastor from North-Mar.
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According to Glenn, they had quite the turn out with nearly 70 young people and 30 adults all taking part and volunteering to serve their brothers and sisters. Other errands included shopping for single parents, the elderly, and others requiring help, giving food to young mothers in need, and more.
Josh Cook, one of the team leaders from Westgate Chapel Church said that it is significant for the body of Christ to work together to get things accomplished, “We can show that we are good examples by helping others,” he said.
One member of the youth, Jervaiya Slaughter, 12, of Warren mentioned how wonderful it is to be able to assist others, “It feels good to know you are helping someone else. It’s an amazing feeling to help others. They appreciate the help,” Slaughter said.
But what does the Bible say about helping others? Does it even mention this in the Bible? Well, it does – a lot. Here’s just one example from the Bible.
Matthew 25:35-40 – “for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
In simple terms, this means that when we serve others – especially those who’re in need or the poor – we’re serving God himself. When these groups were out helping single mothers with food, they were likewise serving Jesus.
Glenn noted that the youth groups will be surprised on Thursday with a trip to Kalahari Indoor Waterpark in Sandusky for the work and servitude they have done.