Following Christ’s example of serving others
By Sheryl Martin Hash
Guest Blogger
I recently read a devotional about a 13-year-old boy who accepted the challenge to mow 50 lawns for free during his summer break. He was to focus on assisting veterans, single moms, people with disabilities – really anyone who needed a little extra help. The founder of this challenge hoped to teach young people the value of a strong work ethic as well as giving to those in need.
Although Jesus didn’t tell us to go mow lawns specifically, He did tell us to serve others. One of the greatest illustrations of humble service is found in John 13 when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet the night before He was to be crucified. The Master performed a demeaning task usually reserved for servants. When He was done, Jesus explained that this act was an example for believers to follow – to be the servant of others and to live with humility and love in every situation.
Loving like Jesus
Encouraging His children to care for others is always foremost in Jesus’ teachings. He healed the sick, He restored sight, He fed the 5,000, He cured leprosy, He raised the dead – and ultimately He performed the greatest act of love when He gave His life for all humanity.
Jesus Christ showed compassion to “the least of these” over and over in the Bible. The lesson here is that we, as Christ-followers, are to show that same compassion to those who are hurting – whether they live next door or halfway around the world.
The ministries of Julie’s Heart Cry are focused on that very thing: being the hands and feet of Jesus to the marginalized. We have learned that the best way to help others is to first meet their physical needs – and then meet their spiritual ones.
Why? Because it’s hard to share the joy of Jesus with a pregnant teenager who is hungry and homeless … or an orphan who has no home and no relatives to care for them … or a mother who can’t provide for her children because she has no education or job skills. But when we help with challenges such as these, people realize our ministry cares about them as individuals and not just saving their souls. They are much more receptive when we share the Gospel.
Helping women become self-sufficient
That’s why we created the self-sustainability initiative. Nearly all women and girls in developing countries face discrimination and are regarded as property; livestock is considered more valuable than women. Social stereotyping dictates girls should be kept at home. This means most females don’t have the opportunity to get an education and typically lack any job training. And the majority of ultra-poor households are headed by women.
It’s often said in Africa if you educate a man, you educate an individual; but when you educate a woman, you educate a nation.
We believe this is true. To that end, we fund programs such as evangelism and discipleship; we offer training in skills such as tailoring; and we create avenues for young ladies to attend school. We also help provide tools, such as sewing machines, so women can begin their new careers right away.
Most importantly, our programs help impoverished girls and women believe a brighter future is possibl
For the hungry and homeless child mother: We provide her with an alternative to abortion by giving her shelter, an education, job skills training and classes on how to care for her baby.
For the orphan who is alone in the world or young people at risk: We provide a safe and loving home where they can receive an education, be mentored, learn about Jesus Christ and thrive.
For the mother who is head of her household but lacks the funds to feed her children: We equip those who are willing to work hard with the necessary training so they can successfully acquire a good job and become financially secure.
These resources provide a pathway for the underprivileged to become self-sufficient. In fact, we will celebrate the first graduating class in our sewing program this August!
So, what do we hope to accomplish through our ministries? Young ladies who have been downtrodden the majority of their lives will be able to stand on their own two feet – and find their voice. They can learn a trade that will allow them to support their families. This, in turn, promotes socioeconomic empowerment. The upshot is these ladies will also reclaim their dignity and confidence.
I believe the apostle Paul had love and sacrifice in mind when he encouraged people to be “devoted to one another” (Romans 12:10). He later urged them to let divine love rule their hearts – a love that would lead to sacrificial generosity.
You can help us continue meeting physical and spiritual needs of individuals who don’t know that a God exists who loves them deeply; or who have lost hope that they will ever have a better life; or who don’t understand why someone on the other side of the world cares about them. Please click here to share Christ’s love through your financial gifts.
