Summer of Caring offers inspiration to help others in community
It may not be taught in drivers' education, but it is an essential part of effective driving.
Occasionally, we will be at the mercy of other drivers to let us into bumper-to-bumper traffic due to a large event or a lane closure. At other times, we will decide who and when to let into our flow of traffic (and I am convinced we enjoy the power trip). However, if the favor has been shown to us, we must lift our hand and wave to the car behind us, a non-verbal way to show gratitude to the generous driver. In the same way, if I let you ahead of me, I will likewise be expecting "the wave""!
What works in traffic does not translate to ministry. Scripture teaches clearly that everything is to be done "unto the Lord and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23). Essentially, you serve someone in need enthusiastically and with excellence because it is an expression of faith. If you serve people for the "thank you," you may be disappointed. At Sumter United Ministries, we are constantly reminding ourselves of why we do ministry and that great responses are not necessary. Still, there are other times you get surprised
Recently, an extended family visited the Crisis Relief Ministry. A disabled mother living with her daughter and four grandchildren requested help with an electric account that was disconnected. For a large family, the lack of electricity made a significant impact on their well-being. The daughter worked while the mother babysat as needed. The father of the children offered no financial support and was not in the household. It was an arrangement that worked for all involved. However, when Social Security recognized an accounting error that led to the mother being overpaid for a few months, they suspended her income completely until it was corrected. The lapse in income left the family in disarray, through no fault of their own.
We have seen cases like this before. It was not unusual. We were glad to offer financial assistance that led to service being restored at the home. We shared further about the clothing we have on site that may further help them. We also shared that, as school had just resumed, school supplies were available due to our Gear Up For Learning project. At that last suggestion, the daughter burst into tears. She sent her children to school that day with nothing, having no money for supplies or new clothes to begin the new year. It could not have been more unexpected to see the emotional response that happened before us.
For the many cases that we see that a "thank you" is not reciprocated or necessary, moments like this give you a good dose of inspiration to keep moving forward. When a client is touched by the assistance offered, it makes us glad to have partners like you to continue to offer hope. When you make a contribution to SUM through the Summer of Caring campaign, wonderful stories like this continue to unfold. Thank you for your support!
Kevin Howell is the director of the Crisis Relief Ministry at Sumter United Ministries.
New donations as of Aug. 5: None