Stewardship Challenge 2016- Week Three: Money Matters

Money Matters: Getting involved with a local charity or non-profit

This week I would like to address ways that you benefit when you volunteer for a charity or non-profit. I have seen so many changes in the lives of individuals and families as they get involved with Crossroads Ministries ministering to the elderly. It is another way of honoring God with your time and resources.

Volunteering…It’s good for your Soul, your mind and your body!! Concentrating on others makes us forget our own problems and troubles and lifts us out of ourselves. Tangible benefits alone—such as satisfactions, and accomplishments- are worthwhile reasons to serve. When we share our time and talents we help solve problems, strengthen communities, improve lives, connect to other, and transform our own lives.

We have seen a growing body of research that indicates volunteering provides individual health benefits in addition to social ones. In a report titled” The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research” has established a strong relationship between volunteering and health. Those who volunteered have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.

Some findings also indicate that volunteers who devote a “considerable” amount of time to volunteer activities (about 100 hours a year) are most likely to exhibit positive health outcomes.

There are many ways to get involved. If you are retired, you still have your gifts and talents to share, get involved! Some non-profit may be looking and praying for someone just like you. It is a way to still give our gifts and talents to be used for the Lord. Many non-profits are in need of talented and gifted people to help them.

Another way for you to get involved is to get involved financially. Most non-profits are always in need of funds. As with anything, always make sure that your money is being used for the Lord and is used wisely. I know at Crossroads, funds are always needed to accomplish the things the Lord has called us to do. After we began the ministry, we sent out over 200 requests for grants and received nothing of from any of them. As I was praying one day, the Lord reminded me that the responsibility for taking care of the elderly is the Body of Christ. So I now mainly look to the Body of Christ to meet our needs. Our only form of income is from donations. God is so good to us in meeting our needs through you as you give of your time and financial means.
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Many blessings to you as you walk through your life using your gifts, talents and finances for the Kingdom. Remember it’s all His, we are just stewards of the things He has given to us.