Today’s Verse

Matthew 25:40

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (NIV)

One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the Church is the opportunity to serve and give to others out of the abundance we’ve been blessed with. You might think, “I don’t have abundance.” And in some ways, that’s true—life is often full of challenges and limitations. But even in the midst of our imperfections, God has given each of us something valuable to offer. Whether it’s our time, skills, or compassion, we are all called to serve others as an outpouring of the love Christ has shown us.

At Southland, we partner with local schools in several ways to serve both students and teachers. These opportunities allow us to give back to our community by demonstrating the love of Christ in practical ways.

We participate in a mentorship program for students, where each mentor gives just 30 minutes a week to show a child that they are loved and valued. You may think spending 30 minutes on homework help, playing a game, or simply chatting is a small thing. But to a student, it can be the highlight of their week. Your time and presence could have a profound impact on a child’s life—and yours as well.

We also show appreciation for teachers, who often give so much of themselves. As a former teacher, I know firsthand how hard it can be. That’s why we provide small acts of kindness—whether it’s bringing in school supplies, preparing meals for teacher meetings, or offering Christmas gift bags during the holidays. These gestures let teachers know they are supported and valued as they invest so much of themselves in the next generation.

If you’ve visited Southland, you may have seen the collection bins for the backpack program. Many kids rely on school meals during the week, but weekends are a different story. We want to make a dent in closing this gap in nutrition by providing microwaveable meals for students so that they can focus on learning and not worry about their next meal. Whether you can bring in food, pack backpacks, or deliver them to the schools, you can serve the next generation, however imperfectly it might be.

Serving in the Church doesn’t depend on your skills, wealth, or spare time—it depends on your willingness to serve in whatever capacity you can. The Church is made up of imperfect people, and we are all called to play a part. When we serve willingly, we reflect the love and grace of Christ to the world around us.

REFLECTION

If you’re not sure what you're good at, or how you can contribute, I encourage you to step out in faith. You may not know exactly what your part is, but serving just one small way can be life-changing—for you and for others. Visit southland.church/localoutreach