by Gary Herbert

 

One of our mission partners that Christ’s Church comes alongside and supports is Joshua’s Place, who does an incredible work in our community. Joshua’s Place exists to help families experiencing poverty overcome the barriers in their lives that cause instability. Using a very relational approach, Joshua’s Place has an army of more than 200 volunteers who serve hundreds of families every month. Their focus is developmental as they seek to help bring about some generational change.

 

Some of our church members are involved with their Adult Development Food Cooperative (ADFC) in which we spend time building friendships with members bi-weekly. In addition to providing food for these families, development courses are required for members to attend. Topics for the courses include things like parenting, financial literacy, health and wellness, and others. Our church hosts the Mason ADFC every other Tuesday evening. This summer we are excited to partner with Joshua’s Place in their Reading Recovery initiative, a tutoring program designed to help students (kindergarten through second grade) who are behind in their reading. For six weeks this summer, our volunteers are meeting with over twenty students to help them catch up on their reading level. You can learn more about Joshua’s Place here.

 

The Why

When the opportunity to get involved with Joshua’s Place was presented to our church, my wife Beth and I signed up to serve others in our community. Beth is a greeter, and I am an “ally” in the Adult Development Food Cooperative that meets at our church. Why do we do it? I can think of several reasons.

 

  1. First, Jesus provided us the greatest example of servant leadership. He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NLT). After washing the feet of his apostles the night before he was crucified for us, Jesus told them, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:14-17, NIV). This is the example I pray that we all desire to strive toward.

 

  1. I enjoy building authentic community with people. This mission provides some awesome opportunities to help those in need while sharing the love of Christ. What better way to meet people in their daily walk where you can encourage and support them while building relationships! We are not just volunteering—we are sharing life together!

 

All About the J.O.Y.

Something interesting happens when you serve others. It impacts your own life as well. A lot of serving opportunities allow me to reflect on my own life and personal growth. I don’t think we can effectively serve others without becoming more compassionate and humble in this world. Many of us are just one illness, accident, family death, or other catastrophic incident away from being the one who needs to receive some type of support. We need each other and we need community. I strongly believe that we were not created to be in this world to go it alone.

 

When I get to serve others, I often think of the three letters J.O.Y. Jesus is the J, because when we serve we are the hands and feet of Jesus. When I serve, I get to see Jesus moving in people’s lives as I ask what is going on in someone’s day-to-day life, and then get to pray with them about those things that are most urgent for them. O stands for “Others.” I get to see and work with others when I serve. This is a community thing—not a me thing. And the Y stands for “You.” When you come to serve not to make yourself feel good, but with the others’ needs in mind, you will be affected in a most positive way.

 

The apostle Paul wrote, “I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35, NLT). When we serve others like Paul and Jesus did, lives are changed! I have seen and heard stories about how prayers have been answered, families are now attending a church, and those being served look forward one day to being a part of the program serving as an ally or greeter themselves.

 

Giving our lives to Christ and serving him always starts with one YES. It is not about our ability, but it is always about our availability! Would you say YES to Jesus today when he asks you to step up and serve others in his name!?

 

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

 

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:37-40, NLT).

 

Gary Herbert and his family have called Christ’s Church home for over twenty years. Gary has served as an elder, men’s group and community group leader, and is involved with the First Impressions ministry. Gary is employed by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as the the Family Relations Manager