What Can Young People Do For Others?

Do you ever say to yourself, “I’m so young I can’t do anything to serve God?” Many of us felt that way when we were young. However, there is much you can do for God, even at a young age.

You can use your imagination to find creative ways to use your time and abilities. By doing this, you can encourage others and help with God’s work. Below are some practical ideas to get you started. What ideas do you have?

Write Encouraging Letters

Writing letters is a simple but powerful way to lift someone’s spirits. Here are two groups of people you can write to:

1. Preachers and Missionaries

You can write a letter to encourage a preacher in his work. Some preachers teach in foreign countries, far away from their families and friends. A letter from you can make them feel closer to home.

Ask them about the place where they are preaching and the work they are doing. You may learn a lot about how God’s work is spreading in different parts of the world. They might even have a child around your age. You could start writing to them and make a new friend!

2. The Sick and Shut-ins

You can also write to those who are sick or shut-in (people who cannot leave their homes due to illness or age). Ask your parents for the addresses of these church members.

Handmade cards are very special. You can make your own card and add drawings to brighten their day. Shut-ins love receiving letters or drawings from young people in the church. It helps them know that they are not forgotten.

Help and Visit the Sick

When people are sick, they need encouragement to brighten their day. Here are some ways you can help:

• Create personal gifts: Make a card or a special present for a sick person. You could draw a picture of a sunny day with a “Get Well Soon” message. If you know they like fishing or gardening, draw a picture of them doing what they love.
• Deliver cards in person: While you can mail your cards, delivering them in person is even better. Ask your parents to drive you to their house.
• Bring a meal: You and your parents could prepare some food to bring along. Sick people often do not have the energy to cook, but they need good nutrition to heal. Plus, your visit itself will cheer them up!

Some people suffer from long-term illnesses and cannot attend church services regularly. They especially need your cards and visits to know they are valued. Don’t worry about buying expensive gifts. A homemade card or craft is the perfect way to show you care.