bbcovert@juno.com

It was exciting to see the mound of items growing on the table. Alone, each person’s contribution seemed insignificant, but combined they were an expression of our commitment to serving others – in this case the teens in foster care. After the 4-H club members finished giving, we could put together 27 gift bags in time for Christmas!

This club meets on a week day morning and is made up of homeschool students. Because we meet during working hours, we were able to have two social workers come to a meeting so that we could present them with the gifts. The club members were a part of the presentation, and they experienced the joy of being recognized for their contribution. That is something that I think is important in developing a spirit of ministry in our children.

Our club is a creative arts club, and we used that interest in another service project. A local church had lost all its fun fair games in a fire and was looking for games to borrow. I called and asked if we could make something for them. I was told that appliance boxes painted nicely would serve the need, and I was even given ideas for two games. The students decided to paint murals - an ocean scene on one box and a fairyland theme on the other. The morning after the church held their children’s fair, the director called to tell me how impressed everyone had been with the club’s work; she also told me they had decided to keep the boxes to use again! The 4-H members were thrilled to hear that their artistic contribution had been a big hit!

We are involved in 4-H, which has an emphasis on community service, but other clubs can organize service efforts as well. However, your family can participate in service projects without joining a club. You just need to know where to find a need and how to meet it! Having been a foster parent myself, I knew of the needs that foster children have, so it was an easy thing to call the agency and make arrangements for our gift collection. I heard of the church’s need, and it was an easy thing to call and ask if we could help. If you see or hear of a need that touches your heart, you can simply ask how your family can help.

Community service helps all of us - children included - realize that our problems are small when compared to others. Serving others helps take our focus off ourselves and put it on others. Matthew 25:40 says, "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’" We are clearly instructed to reach out to those less fortunate and be living witnesses of God’s love for them.

Homeschooling frees up some time otherwise spent in traditional classrooms and on homework. It allows us the flexibility to help when we are most needed. Best of all, it allows our children to be active participants.

Service opportunities at church might include cleaning the sanctuary, picking up trash on the grounds, pulling weeks or planting flowers, making treats for the staff, or taking food to shut-ins, new moms, people recovering from surgery, and others. Serving in the community might mean becoming involved with a soup kitchen or rescue mission, a crisis shelter or nursing home, foster care, or something else. My own children have participated in piano recitals and Christmas caroling at a local nursing home.

Looking for a place to volunteer? Check out this site! Punch in your zipcode and it will display volunteering opportunities in your area! http://www.volunteermatch.org/index.jsp . Each organization has a code that tells whether it welcomes help in the form of kids, teens, seniors, or groups. It may present opportunities that you hadn’t considered.

Copyright 2003 by Brenda B. Covert