“How to Make the Greatest Impact for Hurting People”

Years ago I read about an urban ministry to poor, at-risk kids that was having a deep impact on their lives and showing remarkable long-term results. 

The ministry consisted of after-school tutoring, athletics, Bible studies, a fantastic summer camp, and training for the parents of the kids. 

An unprecedented number of kids who would likely drop out of school were not only graduating, they were going to college.

Kids who would likely have joined gangs were becoming disciples of Jesus and growing as disciples.

Single parents were receiving tangible help and coaching. Their kids had a place to go after school, got their homework done and had fun instead of roaming the streets after school. 

At any given time, there were about 50 kids involved in the program.

Hundreds more in that neighborhood could have used the same help and were free to join in, but only if they abided by the standards of the program. The standards included parental volunteer hours, behavior standards, regular attendance…things like that.

The bar for participation was set high.

So people who cared about that community and saw this organization’s success would often say to them,

“Look, you guys are so successful. You could be helping lots more kids and families. But you make it difficult to get in and stay in. All you need to do is lower the standards so more kids can get in.” 

They didn’t lower the standards, and you already know why.

The standards were the not-so-secret sauce of their success.

And they got the recipe to the not-so-secret sauce from Jesus. 

So this weekend we’re looking at the recipe for that no-so-secret sauce as illustrated by the story of the feeding of the 5000. 

As we set out to make an impact by helping people who need encouragement, mentoring, a hand up, or even basic necessities of life, Jesus shows us some of the necessary ingredients for maximum impact. 

So, if you’re tired of helping, mentoring, serving others, and seeing little to zero results, this weekend is all about changing that.

Photo by Steven Pasino on Flickr

This Is Us

We are the church, whether we are gathered or scattered--each one of us, a part of the body of Christ, wherever we go, whatever we do.

So, where can you find us, and what are we doing?  

I asked Five Oaker Kristen Spielman to share a story (she's pictured above, first from the right).

"Special Needs Mom" is not something I ever thought I'd add to my resume'. However, with the birth of our 3rd son, I was abruptly thrust into such a role. I made the decision within the first few months of his life that I would look to see how God would use my new role for His Glory. I reconnected with a fellow MOPS mom who was going through a similar circumstance, Heather (second from the right). Her poise and grace were inspiring to me.

2 years later, I was introduced to a mom of one who'd recently learned of her son's rare diagnosis. Misa (second from the left) was struggling and needed someone to come alongside her. I was honored to be that person. She and her husband, Dan, were welcomed into our small group. Over the course of the next year, I witnessed her faith-life spring from blame and doubt to hope and joy. 

Our friendship blossomed and I introduced Heather and Misa to another newly acquired "Special Needs Mom Friend," Yodit (first from the left). Enjoying each other's company so much, and realizing how pivotal support from other moms was, the 4 of us decided to start a group for moms just like us.

One evening, Misa, Yodit, and I were able to carve out some time at my newly built home. During the course of our laughing and sharing, Yodit looked at Misa and me and said, 'I don't know what it is that you two have, but whatever it is, I want it.' The difference was a relationship with Jesus Christ. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That night, Misa and I welcomed Yodit into the family of God as an adopted sister in Christ!