Community Service Observation

St. Paul writes in Philippians 2: 3-4, “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” As I reflect on the community service that I have done this year, I am understanding more about how important this verse is. In life, success and riches can lead one to value oneself above others and become increasingly selfish. However, this is not the road one should take. God makes it clear in his Word that to whom much is given, much is required. Each man is called to utilize the gifts he has been blessed with, to benefit the lives of those around him. Will Smith once said, “If you're not making

someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.” The service that I have taken part in has truly benefitted my life, for through it, I have grown spiritually, seeing that there is a world out there who needs men of character that can be the seeds of change through service.
The service projects that I have taken part in that have had the most impact on were the ones at my church.

Numerous amounts of people would come to receive bags of food and select some clothing if they needed some. Particularly during Christmas time, the children that would come would receive some books, toys, and a stuffed animal. At these service events, I had made three very important observations. My first observation was the gratefulness of those who came. The adults, especially those who had to wait for a long time because of the sheer numbers of people that came, remained patient and orderly. Some of us can’t even be patient when the drive thru at a fast food restaurant becomes a stalemate. These people could worry less about time. They were grateful for simply being able to receive some goods that could help provide for them and their family. As for the children, the toys that they received weren’t necessarily desirable in the perspective of a privileged child. However, these kids knew how much their parents sacrificed for them. They were appreciative for any of the toys they received. For fortunate kids, they can expect that their parents will buy them a gift for Christmas. Yet, others can only hope that their parents can get them one small gift. Thus, they cherish anything they receive, something that all of us should do. The second observation I made was that we made sure to evangelize those who were there. In Matthew 4:3, in response to the

devil’s temptation to make Him turn stones into bread, Jesus answered, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Our church understands that our work is in vain if we only provide for the needy with material items. They need to be spiritually fed with the Word of God. Some of the church’s ministers would spread the Gospel to those waiting in the holding area, answering any question that someone may have had about the Christian faith. My form of evangelizing came in the form of prayer. After the children received their gifts, my group members and I would pray over them, lifting up any intentions they had. I may never see those children that we prayed over again. However, I am confident of one thing, and that is, as James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” I know that they are in good hands as God will provide for them. My last observation was the importance of community, especially while I was volunteering at my church’s Palm Sunday celebration. New Orleans is torn by violence. It is time that communities across New Orleans come together as one to alleviate the violence that is plaguing the streets. Events like the Palm Sunday celebration advance this effort. It was a wonderful experience in which the community had a chance to have responsible fun and most importantly, fellowship in the Lord. Christ is the only way we can unify our communities.
Community service is important not only to the needy but to the volunteers as well. Whatever we do for the least of, we do the same for Jesus. The community service that I have participated in this year gives me a clearer picture of the mission Christ has sent us on. Life is too short to waste it on ourselves. God has blessed us with too much to do so. Giving back to the community, whether it be through time or money, is a wonderful expression of our gratitude to God and love for others.