Compassion Creates Connection

Outreach isn’t just an activity—it’s an opportunity to bring the hope, joy, and love of Jesus to those around us. Whether it’s our back-to-school drive, Easter or Christmas baskets, homeless outreaches, or Winter Wonderland for foster kids, each initiative we undertake at Harvest Church is a way to touch lives and show God’s love in action.

The Bible encourages us to serve others with a loving heart. Jesus Himself said, “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When we serve, we follow His example and open doors to share the gospel through our actions and words.

James 2:14-17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” By meeting the physical and emotional needs of those around us, we create pathways to share the hope and love found in Jesus Christ.

Outreach Opens Hearts to the Gospel

Serving our community builds relationships and trust. Simple acts of kindness, like providing school supplies or holiday baskets, show people that they are loved and valued. These genuine expressions of care can soften hearts and make them more receptive to hearing about the love of Christ.

Jesus often met physical needs before addressing spiritual ones. In John 6, He fed the 5,000 before teaching them about the bread of life. “Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’” (John 6:35). Similarly, our outreach efforts can pave the way for meaningful spiritual conversations. By meeting immediate needs, we reflect God’s love and open the door for discussions about faith.

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 highlights the importance of serving others, regardless of who they are. The Samaritan’s act of compassion toward a stranger teaches us to approach outreach with love and a willingness to help those in need.

The Blessing of Serving Others

Serving others not only helps those in need but also brings immense joy and fulfillment to our own lives. Paul said, “I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). When we serve, we experience the joy of seeing God’s love in action and feel His presence in our lives.

Engaging in community service deepens our faith and brings joy. It aligns us with God’s will and helps us grow spiritually. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Get Involved!

At Harvest Church, outreach is a vital part of our mission of knowing God and making Him known. Through our outreach events and initiatives, we aim to meet the needs of our community and create opportunities to share the gospel. As each person serves, they follow the example of Jesus and live out their faith in practical, meaningful ways.

We’re praying that you will join us in our community outreach efforts. To learn more about getting involved, click here. Together, we can shine the light of God’s love and introduce people to Jesus.