We are in the beautiful season of giving, and one of the most invaluable gifts you have to give this Christmas is your time. There are many shelters, ministries, and nursing homes in need of volunteers to do tasks as simple as delivering food.
If you are looking for ways to give your time and nourish your soul, Global University has some great suggestions.
How Is Our Time a Gift?
When we think of gifts, we often think of tangible objects with monetary value. We give gifts to those we love to show that we are thinking of them, that we care about them, and because we enjoy making them happy.
But what happens when a person’s need isn’t a tangible object you buy at the store and they simply need someone to help them?
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world, and one of the best ways to show his love to people is through serving others.
Where Can I Gift My Time?
Pray about it, and see where you feel called to help. There are often endless opportunities for volunteering your time in your community, especially during the cold winter months.
Local Food Bank
Food pantries are incredibly busy this time of year as rising heating costs can leave families struggling to make ends meet. Food banks need not only donations but volunteers to accept, process, and distribute food, as well as help with local food drives.
Homeless Shelters
These shelters are often full over the winter months, so they are looking for volunteers to help in a number of areas, including preparing and serving meals, cleaning, and gathering and passing out supplies.
If it is a shelter that houses children, it could be a wonderful idea to have a small Christmas party or collect small gifts or stockings for them to make Christmas memorable.
Hospitals
There are likely volunteer opportunities if you contact your local hospital. They will have families with children or infants who may be hospitalized over Christmas, and you can help make this time brighter for them. They may be looking for toy donations, meal servers, party planners, and other roles. This is an excellent opportunity to bring the love of Jesus to the sick and hurting during a vulnerable time for them.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are an often overlooked opportunity to assist the elderly who may not have family visiting over Christmas. You can help serve food, host a party, collect and distribute gifts, and help with events that make their Christmas brighter.
Local Ministry
If you are unsure, contact your local ministry to find out where volunteers are most needed. They may have organized clothing or food drives or other events planned around your community for schools, shelters, or nursing homes.
Related Post: 3 Benefits of Getting a Certificate From Global University
Ministry Degrees With Global University
If you have a passion for ministry and serving, take it to the next level with a degree or certificate from Global University.
Global University offers correspondence learning for students to prepare for ministry wherever they are. Enroll today and join a group of like-minded individuals looking to expand their knowledge of God’s Word.
Contact us today to request more information about applying and the degree programs available.