Fires, floods, frenzied storms—all tear at our hearts to “do something.” We want to do something, so in a need to fulfill our call to help humanity at large, we give. We give clothes, supplies, time, finances, and whatever we think is going to be valuable to the recipient. The painful truth is, it may not be valuable to them. Ouch! That hurts to admit or think about. I just want to help.
As I look around at the devastation in so many areas of our country alone, I can become overwhelmed with a desire to do. But how? How can I help? Years ago, Andy Merritt came to Las Vegas and did a retreat for our team. What stands out to this day, from the materials he provided, is that “God is always preparing the worker.” In that preparation, by my personal experience anyway, He uses our circumstances to prepare us.
In fact, it’s Perfect Preparation by His hand.
I’ve never lived through a hurricane, but I grew up where towns were lost, belongings taken, and lives were impacted annually by flooding. In recent years, we’ve lived in and experienced fires that take over acres of land and have taken lives of those trying to contain the fire and save the investments of others. The result of being able to relate to the needs at hand provide me with two options—Go and serve, or stay and serve.
I believe leaders of every organization have a decision to make. How will they use their resources to reach out to others in need?
For those who are already in a service industry or a ministry, it may be that you best serve your team by guarding against compassion fatigue. It may be beneficial for you as the leader to have casual or purposed discussions that include a list of considerations for those on your team who want to do more. I hope the list below is a help to you and your team.
- What can we do as an organization?
- Who do we know in the areas that have been impacted?
- Can we support teams that are already in place to serve their communities?
- If we decide to go, who from our organization will go?
- How long should we go?
- Do we know the greatest need they have?
- Are we going for us or for them?
- How are we researching the need(s)?
- What amount do we have to invest in a special project?
- What has He prepared us for related to the needs at hand?
I hope this list gives you some things to consider as you have discussions in your clinic this week regarding the needs at hand. As a staff member, I would rest in knowing “we have taken action.”
Connie Ambrecht
Director & CEO
Sparrow Solutions Group
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