What is mercy ministry? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Have you wondered why the Church engages in such an activity or considered how this involves you personally? If you have – or if you just like reading pithy blogs – hang around for a few minutes.

At the most basic level, mercy ministry is helping people with a practical need in the name of Jesus Christ. This can take on many forms and can be achieved in a variety of ways. It may involve providing a meal or paying an electric bill, teaching a person how to manage their finances or develop skills, or visiting a person in prison or who has difficulty leaving their home. The possibilities are endless.

But why do we engage in mercy ministry? For many of us, we have experienced the challenges of poverty or the physical pain of an ailment that interrupted our lives and we want to help others experience the community that we enjoy. Maybe you know someone close to you that is in need and you feel compelled to help. Above all, even if none of these reasons is true for you, we provide mercy to others because God first gave us mercy. Jesus calls us to care for those in need and to give in His name because when we do these things we are doing them unto Him. (Matt. 25:34-40)

You may have noticed some of the ways that our church is engaged with our members and the community. Our mercy fund provides a means to directly relieve financial burdens that cannot be met elsewhere. This fund is supported completely by the donations of the congregation primarily at the Christmas Eve service, but also throughout the year by above and beyond giving. Also, our church is currently involved in a prison ministry where hope and love are given in the name of Christ to those who have little of both. We recently started a partnership with Greene Alliance (G.R.A.C.E) to collect home goods for those in need. Last month we collected 45 containers of laundry detergent that will be greatly appreciated by those in our community!

If you are still reading, you may be wondering how you can help support mercy ministry at Grace Community Church.

1. Support the mercy fund by donating money.

2. Direct a mercy request to the church office or deacons if you’re aware of specific needs.

3. Volunteer your skills to help those in need.

4. Most importantly, please pray for the ministry leaders in our church and those who are suffering.

Let’s take an active role in helping our bothers and sisters in Christ!