A Youth Night of Outreach
Danielle Germaine
December 3, 2009
Filed under Secondary News, Top Stories
Perhaps Thanksgiving is the time of year when one is encouraged the most to count his many blessings and consider the less fortunate of the world. It is when countless community projects spring up to assist low-income families and the question, “what are you thankful for?” is asked the most. But once the individual prayers of gratitude are offered and the cans of vegetables delivered to the poor, what’s left besides turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner?
On Wednesday, November 18, high school students from Calvary Chapel’s Liquid youth group participated in a night of ministry dedicated to bringing the love of Jesus to the South Florida community. Each high school family group served in various projects that included Foodshare for low-income communities, a Thanksgiving picnic for the homeless, and street evangelism. The outreaches, however, were not just merely holiday service projects, but challenges for students to step out of their circles of familiarity and to adopt lifestyles of seeking justice. Students left that night after experiencing the joy of being the hands and feet of Jesus as they cared for the hungry, neglected, and oppressed.
Youth Missions and Outreach Coordinator, Christabel Chuah, explains Liquid’s heart behind this long-awaited and well-thought-out night of outreach. “From making shoe boxes, praying for the recipients, and praying for children in the third world receiving them, to going out to evangelize in the mall, stepping out of our comfort zones to talk to strangers that are homeless on the beach, and delivering groceries to homes that would not be able to celebrate Thanksgiving otherwise—God uses only those that are available. So, we pray that with shutting down a Wednesday night, small groups of youths will make themselves available for His good and noble use.”
As followers of Christ, there is no limit to what we can do for the empty and searching people that make up our community. The gifts, talents, and resources that God has blessed us with, we should use for the primary purpose of serving our heavenly Father. Whether it is a family who could now enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner, or one small child who upon opening a shoebox will be reminded of God’s love, God will use us and our efforts if we are willing.
Sophomore, Brittney Freeman, who attends Coral Glades High left Fort Lauderdale beach Wednesday night after experiencing Christ’s joy through feeding and talking to the homeless. Freeman comments, “I really just enjoyed meeting the people and having the chance to spend my time doing such an amazing thing. It was an extremely humbling and encouraging night.”
So don’t wait for Christmas to roll around to have a reason for participating in your annual charity work. Pray that God would give you a heart for the injustice of our world and the wisdom and resources to overcome it through the gospel of Christ.