…When he saw him, He had compassion on him and went to him… Luke 10:33-34

Learn to Help by Helping

 

I was hungry

Although there is more than enough food produced in the world to feed everyone on the planet, the number of people in the world affected by hunger increased in 2020 under the shadow of the COVID-19 events. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported that In 2020, between 720 and 811 million people faced hunger. Just like the Good Samaritan in the biblical account, now is our turn to extend a helping hand to the needy.

I was thirsty

UNICEF and the WHO report that 1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water. An estimated 2.2 billion people are in need of access to safely managed drinking water, including 884 million currently without basic drinking water services. Let’s be part of meeting these needs. 

I was homeless

Habitat for Humanity estimated in 2015 that 1.6 billion people around the world live in "inadequate shelter”. Although violence, conflicts, and disasters account for most homeless numbers, a large percentage of them- in almost every country in the world- live below the poverty line. They simply cannot afford proper accommodations.

 

I needed clothes

The World Resources Institute reported that on average, “One garbage truck of clothes is burned or sent to landfills every second!“ Why then aren’t orphans, homeless, working poor, refugees, etc, the beneficiaries of the right to minimum clothing? There is a need to bridge this divide! Surplus wealth is found in rich communities and cities, but material poverty is among the needy and is deepest in remote villages.  

I was sick

It has been proven numerous times that human interaction and the presence of family and friends can aid in a person’s recovery effort. In a study conducted by a notable news network, by experience alone, many doctors believe that patients that have visitors are helped in their recovery process.  Even with the COVID-19 restrictions, video conferences have been a great way to make a difference in the life of a sick person. 

I was in prison

Just like education opportunities in prison are key to reducing crime, prison ministry is an important source of hope for the incarcerated. The following quote from Jason Swindle from the Swindle Law Group, P.C. says it well, “While it would be impossible to determine a prison ministry’s impact on the rate of recidivism, I can personally testify that I have seen many of my clients change their lives for the better by receiving Jesus Christ as their Savior. Prison ministry does help individuals and society as a whole.”