You want to minister to those in your community, but you aren’t sure how. Or maybe you know you are limited on time, and don’t want to overcommit with an organization. You can get a few of your friends together and find simple ways to reach out to others who need help. The following list offers many ideas that you can use with other women or with your own family.
- Offer babysitting services to single mothers who cannot afford to pay for help.
- Feed the homeless by volunteering at a food pantry, shelter or by providing sack lunches once or twice a month.
- Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and help build a home for someone in need.
- Offer practical services at a women’s shelter, such as help with writing a resume or practicing job interviews. You could teach computer skills or offer free hairstyling or manicures.
- Make meals to give to families in need.
- Do odd jobs for the elderly or disabled, such as running errands, mowing the lawn or landscaping, washing windows or other cleaning.
- Set up a donation station for people to bring in items they no longer use that can be given to those in need. You could even offer to pick up items from others who don’t have time to bring them in.
- Visit the elderly in nursing homes or kids in hospitals. You may have to get permission from the local hospital, but most will allow you to come in and read, entertain or bring in gifts to the kids.
- Offer to tutor kids who need help in school.
- Make practical gifts to give to those who need them – scarves and hats to the homeless or to kids, blankets to preemie babies or homemade toys for children in foster care or group homes. This is a great way for those who are homebound to continue to contribute.
The list of ways to help is endless because of so many needs. If you want to be involved in ministry that is practical and provides real value, look for opportunities. Watch your newspaper or local news to hear of stories that could use your attention. For example, if you read about a house fire, contact the news station to find out where and how you can donate items.
Talk to your church and find out about people who need help or visit a senior community center. There are hundreds of ways to get involved with helping others. First, pray and ask God to show you where He wants you to work. Then, start watching because He will show you the needs if you are sincere about ministry.
Can you add other ideas to the list of ways that women can minister to those around them? Have you found a unique way to get involved that you would like to share?
