I've had this thought for a long time, and I couldn't sleep tonight because it popped back into my head. This isn't original. At least, I don't think it is. Here's the concept. Each of us has certain talents and abilities. REAL, practical talents and abilities. Here's an example using fictional characters:
Bill is a mechanic.
Susan cuts hair.
Frank is a carpenter and general handyman.
Jill is an excellent cook.
Laura can sew.
Brian is good for some manual labor.
Etc, etc....
So, what if we start using these talents to help each other out? What if Laura's car breaks down? Bill helps her out. Frank needs a haircut. Susan steps in to save the day. Bill needs his backyard cleared out and a fence built. Frank and Brian tag team and get the job done.
You can think of it sort of like a huge barter system if you like. The idea is that everyone has something tangible to contribute and through these tangible contributions we can meet a lot of the needs that we have and help each other out. But what if we take it a step farther?
Luke is an elderly man that can no longer take care of his yard. Brian and a few other guys come to help him out. Luke has nothing to offer, but we are able to meet his needs just to show him the love of Christ and that people actually care in this world in a real, tangible way. Jesus often met peoples physical needs before addressing their spiritual needs. Why do we so often try to shove the gospel down people's throats while they are hurting with physical needs?
So here is my proposal: I would like to try to put together some sort of community. A list of people that are willing to help each other out. After we get a list of people willing to help, we can start to compile a list of needs (both within our community and outward). If you would be willing to try something like this, please let me know! Leave a comment here or email us at shaneandshauna@ymail.com. Once it gets going I'll composite some sort of listing or website and we can all get together for some food and hang out.
Shauna and I will start. Shauna may add some stuff later, but we can:
-Cook, Bake
-Clean (inside homes, yardwork, etc.)
-manual labor (any sort of work that doesn't require a 'specialty')
-teach music
-teach bible/theology
-organization (filing, sorting through things..)
I really hope that this takes off and that we can be used. I think one of the cries of our generation is a need to be used and to be a part of something bigger than yourself. I don't think we are as selfish and self-centered as most parts of this culture would lead us to believe. We want to make a change. Make a difference. Help people and do something different. Looking forward to seeing where this goes!
-shane
That's a great idea, but the folks have to live in your general area. Your profile says Alabama. If one doesn't live in your area, then this can be done through your church, or through any of the hundreds of volunteer charity efforts going on throughout the country. In my case, I crochet and belong to a number of groups who organize the efforts.
ReplyDeletethis is a great concept to consider, one should have thought of this long ago..... i will try it here and see if God can be glorified through it. i am sure as long as you will be willing to be used, God will use it to be glorified...
ReplyDeleteLove,
William Jetton
I have some friends in Idaho that are apart of something like this. The way it works for them is they have an internet site where people tell others what they need, or what they can offer. For example, if someone there was having a baby, but couldn't afford to buy things like a crib, she would post that she needed one. Then, whomever had a crib or access to a free one would respond and provide her with one. It definitely has to be a local community of people who want to help, and be helped. I also think shane and I should add opening our home up for whatever in the part of what we can give. We have a two bed two bath home that we would love to open up for bible studies, prayer groups, people who need a place to stay while they are in town, or until they get back on their feet, etc. The main reason Shane and I have a nice home is because we want it to be open for others.
ReplyDelete-Shauna
There may be a freecycle group for your county. It is similar to what you're talking about - people post what they have to give though it is items not service. Like an Internet thrift store.
ReplyDeleteThis is how early America worked.
ReplyDelete