Grove United Methodist Church issued the following announcement on July 26.
All it takes to cause transformation is to take that first step.
Consider what it is like when the volunteers of Grove’s Good Works Ministry arrive at a house for the very first time. We never know what we will find, but the house may be in bad shape, and while the homeowner may be looking forward to having his/her home repaired, we are just a bunch of strangers invading their space and turning things upside down.
So, we take the first step. We introduce ourselves, go through the home with the homeowner and listen to what he/she needs and wants, discuss priorities, and get to work. On that very first visit, we set change in motion. Many times, the first thing we have to do is move things out of the way to make room to work. This can be a challenge when space is cramped or crowded with their items. But it’s also an opportunity because each time we’re able to enlist the homeowner’s help us to do this, we’re breaking down barriers and building a relationship.
On subsequent visits, our volunteers continue working on repair projects and on our relationship with the homeowner. As time goes on, we can feel the homeowner becoming more comfortable, talking with us more, and taking part in what we’re doing. We may also find that they’re starting to do some cleanup, organizing, or even repairs on their own between our workdays. There is a growing sense of awareness and pride in a homeowner as the place gets fixed up and becomes more attractive and well-kept both inside and out.
From the very first day, Good Works Ambassadors come by each workday to visit with the homeowner. Their primary role is to get to know the homeowner and the homeowner’s family more deeply, to share with them why we do what we do, and to get a sense of where each family member is spiritually. They talk and listen. They ask if they may pray and read Scripture together. They are patient and respectful because they know such conversations are easier once someone has time to know and trust you better. They share the message of God’s love and the salvation that is available to everyone through Jesus Christ. And sometimes they get to share in the joyful experience of having someone accept Jesus as their savior.
This is how lives are transformed by Good Works and Grove’s Good Works Ministry. We take the first step and then the next one and the next and so on. A home is repaired, relationships grow, hope is restored, and lives are transformed.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up