2 August | Youth
«And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.» Galatians 6:9
It was 1:30 am. With a few other young people from church, we arrived near the Metropolitan Cathedral of Campinas, Brazil, a place where dozens of homeless people were taking shelter under the awnings of stores and bank branches. Our goal? Carry out a micro revolution. As we took a few boxes of food and a gallon of water out of the cars, the beggars jumped off their cardboard mats and lined up for their meal. According to them, it was the best time of the day.
After completing the mission, I returned home with my heart overflowing. The image of those poor citizens never left my mind. While eating, some confessed their misfortunes, abandonment by family members and the sadness of living in the world of drugs. That night, small actions made an enormous impact on those people's lives.
In the last decade, the concept of micro revolution became popular: instead of gigantic causes, simple proposals; instead of slow and predictable ideologies, rapid and punctual changes.
Surely you have already realized that it is difficult to impact the planet, but it is possible to revolutionize the world that is within our reach. The challenges today are so gigantic that there is no time to wait for “heroes,” activists, or government hopes. We need to roll up our sleeves and make a difference in our community.
We live in the era of makers, of doers, of those who are committed to a cause. Are you one of them? If you are, I suggest some specific actions: 1) Host a health expo/fair in your neighborhood. 2) Hold a youth service in a nursing home. 3) Participate in volunteer service. 4) Organize a missionary flash mob in your city's shopping mall. 5) As a volunteer, participate in the renovation of a city square. 6) Take food to those in need. 7) Help build a house for a needy family.
Jesus did not just teach the concept of micro revolution; He lived this reality. There is no shortage of examples: a healed paralytic, a transformed Samaritan woman, a renewed Pharisee and so many other people who were impacted. And today He says: “Go and do the same!” It is possible to change our community, one person at a time. Do this, and you will benefit the most.