In thinking about how we can reach our local communities for Christ, I have a little test. Stop for a second. How many local charities can you name? Not the big national and global charities, but ones in your town run by people in your community. I hope you could name a few, but I bet there are even more that are doing good work feeding the hungry, helping children, and taking care of the sick and elderly.

Now, the next question: how are you helping these organizations? Maybe you volunteer. Maybe you give money. Maybe you spread the word about the good work these organizations are doing. Whatever you are doing, keep doing it! These organizations need help from us to keep helping those who are in need. If you’re not working with these organizations, think about how you could. They are made up of people who love their neighbors and want to help them – just like you.

Some of these organizations might be faith-based, and some might not be, but God uses all things to bring people close to Him. As it says in Matthew, whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Christ. By serving others through local organizations, we can help those in need to feel warm, fed, and safe. Then we can also clearly tell them about the love that Christ has for them – His crucifixion and resurrection. Serving others shares God’s love in both word and deed.    

This is Luis Palau.