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Volunteering is putting hands and feet to Matthew 25.

When Jesus spoke about serving “the least of these” in Matthew 25, He revealed that our acts of kindness such as bringing food to the hungry, visiting the sick, and welcoming strangers, are expressions of worship. These are ways of serving Christ.

Beneficial to both the receiver and the giver, volunteering opportunities are limitless and without boundaries.

Into All the World

When hostilities broke out in 2023, the workers at a farm near the Gaza border all fled. The farmer was immediately called into military service.

“Since October 7, 2023, more than 350,000 of Israel’s sons and daughters have been mobilized as part of the Israel Defense Forces. That means a lot of workers are missing from daily life, leaving a massive hole in the economy,” said Doug Hershey, founder of Ezra Adventures. 

Author of Israel Rising and Jerusalem Rising, Hershey guides groups to the Holy Land where they volunteer their skills. Travelers say they feel safe, make new friends, and make a difference in the world.

One group of volunteers from the United States arrived at a farmer’s neglected fields. With many hands working together, they quickly helped restore the farm to productivity.

Volunteer Near and Far

In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus talks about the life-changing potential of volunteering.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers you did it to me.’”(ESV)

If you’re feeling called to explore volunteering but aren’t sure where to start, begin with prayer. Ask God to show you the needs around you and how your unique gifts and experiences could provide solutions.

1. Assess Your Interests. What situations stir your heart? Which injustices concern you?
2. Inventory Your Skills. What professional or personal abilities could benefit others?
3. Consider Your Schedule. How much time can you realistically commit?
4. Start Small. Try short-term projects before making long-term commitments.
5. Be Open to Growth. Don’t be surprised if God leads you in unexpected directions.

Dr. Bob Dettmer and his wife, Sue, have spent the second half of their lives bringing medical and counseling services to those in their community who otherwise would not have access to health care. “Sometimes,” Bob said, “God calls us into roles for which we don’t initially feel prepared. The key is to step forward in faith. Trust God will equip you for the work He’s calling you to do.”

Volunteering brings benefits to the receiver and the giver. Volunteers experience:

·      Awareness of others and their needs

·      Boost in self-confidence

·      Connections that benefit personal and business relationships

·      Empathy for another’s life story

·      Familiarity with different lifestyles

·      Friendships

·      Honed abilities to listen

·      Improved social skills

·      Opportunities to meet and talk to people from many backgrounds and experiences

·      Training and hands-on experience

Where To Volunteer

Every community has a variety of places that typically welcome volunteers.  

·      4-H Clubs

·      Animal Rescue Shelters

·      Charities

·      Churches

·      Civil Air Patrol

·      Clean-up Efforts

·      Colleges and universities

·      Community Arts Groups including museums and theaters

·      Community Centers

·      Conservation Campaigns

·      Local Festivals

·      Family Shelters

·      Food Banks

·      Humane Society

·      Libraries

·      Medical Facilities

·      National Parks and Conservation Organizations

·      Political Parties

·      Schools

·      Scouts

·      Senior Centers

·      Service Organizations such as Lions Club and Rotary Club

·      Youth Organizations including after-school programs and sports groups

·      Zoos

In a world that often views aging as decline, volunteering offers a different narrative: these can be your most purposeful, impactful, and joyful years yet. Seasoned by decades of experience, your hands are exactly the ones needed to minister to today’s needs.

Continue to live with purpose as an empty nester and into the senior years by shepherding and facilitating in the community you helped build.

The harvest is plentiful, and experienced workers like you are desperately needed. The second half of life can be filled with the joy that comes from serving others in Christ’s name. Volunteering opportunities exist in your neighborhood and around the globe.  

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