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National Volunteer Week

by Dana Chaffin
4/10/2008 / Events

Here's your chance to show God's love to others by helping those in need. National Volunteer Week is April 27 May 3, 2008. An estimated 250,000 people will get involved in 2008. During this week people are asked to commit to volunteering in their area. If we all do our part this could be a week that will change lives. Consider continuing your efforts throughout the year.
Christians have been commanded to give & care for others. Luke 10:27 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and 'Love your neighbor as yourself." We should give to those in need because we are to grow to be more Christ-like. Serve God by serving others. God is love. By showing love to others we are showing them God. We can change people's attitudes, situations, & their lives by sharing Christ's love. The Lord cares for every person prisoners, sick, lonely, homeless, orphans, widows, elderly, & hurting & so should we. Matthew 25:40 - "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Give to others in the name of Jesus. Honor Him! God-inspired giving is done without wanting anything in return. We already have the reward God's love in our life.
This world is hurting! They are empty and don't understand why, but once they see your fullness of love through God's love they will want what you have inside. You can lead them to a personal relationship with Jesus. You may never know just how you have affected their lives until you get to heaven. Hebrews 13: 2-3 - Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Give as you can of your time & skills, not just money. The world has this "it's all about me system, look out for yourself, step on others to get what you want attitude", but not Jesus. He gave the ultimate gift, His life! Ephesians 5: 1-2 - Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. We are to give out of God's love through us, to obey the Lord, & to honor him. We need to let others see Him in our lives. Matthew 10:42 - And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. 1 John 3:16 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. It's not all about giving money. It is 'time spent', not the money that makes the biggest difference.
Give by prayer, sharing, encouragement, & caring for others. Ask God through prayer how & what he wants you to give then obey. Someone needs what you can give. Think of your gifts, abilities, and talents. Know that you are giving out of love, not out of duty. Be creative in thinking of a compatible group or organization. Before contacting anyone really think of what your time availability is and days you can volunteer, so that you don't commit to something you will later feel is a burden. Galatians 6:9-10 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
There are many organizations, groups, & missions that need all types of volunteers. You can look in the phonebook for organizations, ask friends & family, or call a local church to find out if there is a need for a volunteer with your interests. Another option is volunteermatch.org a national nonprofit website devoted to helping people find a place to volunteer and get volunteers. You put in your zip code and it tells you of volunteer opportunities in your area. There are various ways to volunteer such as donating food, clothing, supplies, visitations, prayers, fundraisers, making seasonal decorations, mailing cards &/or letters, office/secretarial help, perform housekeeping tasks, provide child care, donate teaching tapes and books, craft supplies, videos/cds, stamps, or transportation.
Another place to look for opportunities is 1-800-volunteer.org. This group can be reached by phone or internet. The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network developed this service to connect volunteers with needs in their community. With registered volunteers in 31 out of the 50 states in the U.S. this service could be beneficial. Also this group assists during disasters with volunteering information at www.helpindisaster.org. A more local group is Volunteers of America of Oklahoma. This organization is dedicated to improving lives for those in the state. They have 750 employees in 5 offices throughout the state of Oklahoma. You can get more information at www.voaok.org or by calling (918)307-1500.
Jesus gave us many examples of how to treat others in the Bible. These are just a few:
James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Matthew 9:36 - When he saw the crowds (Jesus) had compassion on them. Luke 10:34-37 - the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
1 John 4:7 - Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:19 - We love because he first loved us.
We need to show people in need, Christ's love through us. Let people know and see that you are a Child of God.
John 13:34-35 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so your must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Live each day that those around you may see you and see Jesus! Spread the mercy and grace that God has so freely given to you in your time of need.
Psalms 41:1 - Blessed is he that considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
It is easy to see from the Bible that Jesus is concerned about the poor and the needy. His life was a great model of how we as ambassadors of Christ should also treat those in need.
I am praying that God opens your eyes and heart to see the need that you can fill. The love of God is powerful; please share it with others through your serving.

Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer and editor of Certain Cinema magazine who has published many articles on faithwriters.com and other Christian websites. Passionate about Christian film. www.certaincinema.com Email [email protected]

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