By Bethany Clark, est Columnist
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This is a question we might ask ourselves when we want to find fulfillment and purpose in our lives. There are many ways to give in our own community.
There is something for everyone to do, whether it is volunteering your services to our schools, visiting our nursing homes, helping a neighbor with lawn work, look someone in the eye and give a handshake as if they were the only person who matters at the time, giving to a local organization, praying for someone who needs God to intervene in their life, and to encourage those who need an encouraging word.
God has given each of us gifts – and a mission.
Ephesians 2:10 – God has made us what we are. In Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God had planned for us to live our lives doing. You were not put on Earth to live for yourself. You were made for a greater purpose, not simply to make money, retire and die. You were made for a mission, and that gives your life meaning.
Until you know your life mission, you are just existing. Life may seem good, but you will not experience the fulfillment you would if you were living out God’s intentions for you.
We are not to walk alone but to walk with others who can encourage and pour into our lives. It is healthy to walk with those who want the best for you and can cheer you on through your life journey.
In Acts 10:34, the apostle Peter declares that God is no respecter of persons. This means God does not show favoritism or partiality. In other words, the free offer of the gospel is available to all.
1 Corinthians 1:24 – We all have the same opportunity to have a full life and have it more abundantly than we can ever think or imagine. God gives us what He wants us to have, and it is up to us to use it for His glory.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the Bible says we are of one body and one spirit. God needs every one of us. We all work together for His good. The nursery worker, the greeter, the server, the pastor and evangelist, the teacher, apostle, gifts of healing, prophets, the prayer warriors, and the list goes on and on.
Name your gift. What do you enjoy doing and do you do it for God and for those around you?
As I have mentioned earlier, there are opportunities all around us to serve and to be a part of what God is doing in our small towns of Andrews, Murphy and the surrounding areas. The mission field is huge right here in our hometowns and communities. Our communities consist of people who we spend time with and see while we are out doing our daily activities.
There are some very important ministries and opportunities to serve, give financially, to pray and encourage, as they are in the Highways N Hedges bringing people in to love, cloth, feed, shelter, transport, provide resources in order to allow the healing process to begin to a much healthier way of living.
I would like to take the opportunity to tell you about one ministry in Andrews. I personally have seen this ministry I action. Highways N Hedges Ministries has been in the streets of Andrews and Murphy working with the homeless and with those who need freedom from substance abuse.
Housing and resources, as you know, are often difficult to find for these who want to overcome an addiction. Overcoming an addiction under any circumstances can be challenging especially when your world has fallen apart and it seems as if there is no hope. Highways N
Hedges has opened its property to men and women who need a safe place to recover from their addictive lifestyle and to come to understand God’s love.
There are many parts of this ministry for it to work smoothly and see the fullest potential in their lives. Highways N Hedges Ministries offers hope to men and women who need another chance. People need to know they are loved and supported.
We all have struggles and issues, some bigger than others but we all need to be dependent on Jesus. We all need His love. For God is love.
Highways N Hedges Ministries is looking for support from the community to assist the needs of the community. This ministry is taking on the need as a Recovery Center for women due to the fact this area is in desperate need for women facilities.
Highways N Hedges offers a one-year program where the women will receive classes how to take basic skills to become healthy and independent women. Studying God’s word and discipleship are key component in staying strong and anchored
There are so many things behind the scenes most would be unaware of. This ministry spends endless hours counseling, making phone calls, going to doctor appointments and so much more.
God has a purpose for each one of us, including the ones we often overlook or do not know how to help. Here is a way to help. They need your support. Be a part of what God is doing in the streets of Andrews and Murphy to see lives break free from the addictions that effect every family and community.
2 Corinthians 9:7 – God loves a cheerful giver. Thank you for your support.
Please ask God how you can partner with Highways N Hedges to give these precious people a fresh start in the right direction. We need volunteers to do Bible studies, outreach, financial support and prayers.
Contact Highway’s N Hedges at facebook.com/highwayn.hedges1; or P.O. Box 1154, Andrews, NC 28901.
The writer is a resident of Andrews.