"I Want to Help Others, But What Can I Do?"
Have you ever asked yourself, “I want to help others, but what can I do?” It’s a question many of us ponder when we see the needs around us—whether it’s homelessness, hunger, or other forms of suffering. We want to make a difference, but often, we feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. If this thought has crossed your mind, you might find inspiration in the story of Daryl and Leonor Green, a couple whose seasonal ministry to the homeless is a perfect example of how even the smallest acts of kindness can lead to something transformative.
A Calling to Serve the Homeless
Daryl Green, a member of our board of directors, and his wife Leonor, were called by God to serve those who are often forgotten during the winter months: The homeless. Several years ago, they felt a deep pull to reach out and offer assistance to those struggling on the streets, especially when the weather was at its coldest.
The mission was simple: to drive to areas where homeless individuals tend to gather, greet them with kindness, and provide them with small bags of survival items. These initial Ziploc bags might have seemed modest—containing things like socks, snacks, and toiletries—but for someone enduring a bitterly cold night without shelter, such items could make all the difference.
What set their ministry apart was not just the items in the bag, but the personal touch. Daryl and Leonor would take time to speak to each person, hear their story, and offer a prayer. They wanted those they encountered to know that God saw them, cared for them, and offered them hope.
A Ministry That Grows
Over the last four years, this humble ministry has blossomed beyond anything Daryl and Leonor could have imagined. While the core of their mission has remained the same—to offer compassion, prayer, and a sense of hope to those in need—the way they provide help has grown, thanks to God's guidance, donations, and the support of a community of volunteers.
With help from others who share their heart for this work, Daryl and Leonor were able to upgrade their Ziploc bags to more durable reusable bags, filled with additional survival essentials—things like blankets, hand warmers, and hygiene products. Each bag is packed with love and purpose, but at the heart of it all is the same message: "God cares for you, and there is hope for a better tomorrow."
For the homeless individuals they meet, these encounters are often a source of much-needed encouragement. It’s more than just practical help—it’s a reminder that they are seen, heard, and loved. For many, this may even be their first divine appointment. The brief but meaningful connection with Daryl and Leonor could be the spark that points them in the right direction toward healing, recovery, and a new path forward.
A Community of Support
This past Saturday, members of our Bible study group gathered together to help fill nearly 70 survival bags. The bags, which would soon be distributed to the homeless in our area, were filled with essential items and an encouraging note. It was a simple but impactful way to come together as a community and answer the call to serve those in need.
As volunteers filled each bag, it was evident that the work wasn’t just about packing supplies. It was about coming together to serve and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. These bags, though modest, carry much more than items—they carry a message of love, hope, and the compassion of Christ.
What’s Inside the Bags?
So, what exactly is inside these survival bags? Each one is carefully packed with items that can help someone survive the harsh winter conditions. Here are just a few examples:
- Warm Socks and Gloves: Simple but essential for protecting against frostbite and keeping warm.
- Non-perishable Snacks: Items like granola bars and trail mix that provide sustenance on the go.
- Hygiene Products: Basic items like, toothpaste, and toothbrush, which can make a world of difference when access to showers is limited.
- Clothing and poncho's: For warmth and comfort on cold nights.
- A Personal Bible and a Prayer: A reminder that someone cares and that they are not alone.
These bags are not just survival kits—they are beacons of hope. For the homeless individuals who receive them, they are a tangible reminder that someone sees their struggle and is willing to help. More than that, it’s an opportunity for them to experience God’s love through the hands of those who care.
So, What Can You Do?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I do to help others?” Daryl and Leonor’s story provides a simple yet powerful answer. You don’t have to do something big or complicated to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a willing heart and a few small acts of kindness.
Like Daryl and Leonor, you don’t need a grand plan to change someone’s life. You can start small: make a meal for a neighbor, volunteer at a shelter, donate clothes, or even just lend a listening ear to someone who’s going through a tough time. The important thing is to take action. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, is a step toward making the world a better place.
The Christmas Spirit of Giving
As Christmas approaches, many of us reflect on the greatest gift ever given—the gift of Jesus Christ. This season is a reminder of the incredible love that God has shown to all of us. And just as we’ve been given so much, we are called to share that love with others.
Daryl and Leonor’s ministry is a perfect example of how we can live out that calling, by serving those in need with compassion, kindness, and a message of hope.
So, this Christmas, take a moment to think about how you can help. It doesn’t have to be anything grand or expensive. Sometimes, the simplest actions—like packing a survival bag for a homeless person or offering a prayer—can make the biggest impact. You may not change the world, but you can change someone’s world.
Conclusion
Daryl and Leonor’s story is a beautiful reminder that the power to make a difference lies within each of us. It doesn’t take a lot of resources or a grand vision—just a willingness to serve and love those around us. As you reflect on the blessings in your life this holiday season, consider how you can be a blessing to others.
The question is no longer, “What can I do?” The answer is simple: Do what you can, when you can, and trust that it will make a difference.
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