Empowering Change Through Humility and Compassion
Summary
For over a decade, our church has faithfully partnered with Help One Now, standing together to empower families and break cycles of generational poverty around the world. This journey has taught us that real, lasting change comes not from quick fixes, but from consistent, humble presence and a willingness to go upstream to address root causes. We began by caring for orphans, but soon realized that orphanhood is often a symptom of deeper issues—poverty, lack of education, and broken systems. By listening to local leaders and communities, we learned to support families before they reach crisis, providing education, meals, and opportunities for sustainable income.
Stories from Haiti, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, and Peru illustrate how humility, empathy, and compassion are the foundation for meaningful action. Pastor Jean-Alique in Haiti, despite having every opportunity to leave, chooses to remain and serve his people in the midst of chaos and danger, motivated not by pride but by a deep sense of calling and solidarity. Rod, who moved into a Dominican barrio with good intentions but little understanding, was transformed by the community’s care for his family. Through listening and taking small, faithful steps, he and his team have helped bring education, clean water, and economic opportunity to thousands.
We also recognize that poverty is not just material. In our own context, we face spiritual, relational, and time poverty. The call is to see every person as made in the image of God—the Imago Dei—regardless of background or circumstance. When we approach others with humility, we can truly see them, empathize with their struggles, and be moved to compassionate action. This is not easy work; it requires perseverance, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to the long haul. But when our actions are rooted in humility and compassion, we become part of God’s ongoing work of restoration.
Today, we have a tangible opportunity to invest in the future by supporting education for children around the world. Every gift, no matter the size, is an act of joyful generosity that empowers the next generation of leaders and image-bearers. Let us continue to walk in humility, see others through the eyes of Christ, and act with compassion for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- Consistent Presence Creates Lasting Change
True transformation in communities comes not from one-time interventions, but from showing up consistently over time. By committing to walk alongside others, we address not just symptoms but root causes, building trust and enabling sustainable solutions that outlast any single effort. [36:24]
- Humility Unlocks Empathy and Compassion
A posture of humility allows us to see others as equals, created in the image of God. When we lay aside pride and self-focus, we become able to truly empathize with others’ pain and needs, which then compels us to compassionate action that is both meaningful and effective. [43:06]
- Transformation Begins with Listening and Small Steps
Lasting impact often starts with listening deeply to the needs of a community and taking small, faithful steps in response. Rather than imposing our own solutions, we honor others by collaborating and moving forward together, trusting that God works through humble, incremental progress. [48:09]
- Seeing the Imago Dei in Others Changes Everything
Recognizing every person as an image-bearer of God transcends differences and enables us to see ourselves in others, even those we might consider enemies or strangers. This vision fuels empathy and breaks down barriers, opening the way for genuine relationship and redemptive action. [48:09]
- Perseverance in Calling Sustains Kingdom Work
Serving others and advancing God’s kingdom is often slow, difficult, and filled with setbacks. When our motivation is rooted in humility, empathy, and a sense of calling, we are able to persevere through challenges, trusting that God’s work is bigger than our own lifetimes and that our faithfulness will bear fruit for generations. [01:07:24]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Celebrating Long-Term Partnership
[03:05] - The Mission: Breaking Generational Poverty
[05:20] - Learning to Go Upstream
[08:45] - The Haiti Rice Story
[13:30] - Supporting Families Before Crisis
[17:50] - Launching the Family Business Program
[22:40] - Addressing Different Types of Poverty
[27:15] - The Foundation of Humility
[31:00] - Empathy, Compassion, and Action
[36:24] - Local Leaders: Humility in Action
[43:06] - The Story of Pastor Jean-Alique
[48:09] - Rod’s Journey in the Dominican Republic
[54:30] - Imago Dei: Seeing God’s Image in All
[59:10] - Perseverance and Calling
[01:03:40] - The Kairos Ministry in Peru
[01:07:24] - Invitation to Joyful Generosity
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Humility, Compassion, and Lasting Change
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### Bible Reading
Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
> Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
> So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 2:3-4, what attitude does Paul say should guide our actions toward others?
2. In the sermon, what did the church learn was the root cause behind orphanhood in the communities they served? [08:45]
3. How did Pastor Jean-Alique and Rod demonstrate humility and perseverance in their ministry work? [43:06]
4. What does the phrase “Imago Dei” mean, and how does it relate to how we see others? [48:09]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul connect humility with looking to the interests of others in Philippians 2? How does this relate to the stories shared about local leaders in the sermon? [43:06]
2. The sermon describes poverty as more than just a lack of material things. What are some other types of poverty mentioned, and why is it important to recognize them? [36:24]
3. How does seeing every person as made in the image of God (Imago Dei) change the way we respond to people who are different from us or in need? [48:09]
4. The sermon emphasized “consistent presence” and “small steps” over quick fixes. Why might this approach be more effective for lasting change? [48:09]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to approach others with humility, not pride. Can you think of a recent situation where you acted out of pride instead of humility? What would it look like to respond differently next time? [43:06]
2. The leaders in Haiti, Ethiopia, and the Dominican Republic chose to stay and serve their communities even when it was hard or dangerous. Is there a place or relationship in your life where you feel called to persevere, even though it’s difficult? What keeps you going? [43:06]
3. The sermon talked about “spiritual, relational, and time poverty” in our own context. Which of these do you most relate to right now? What is one small step you could take this week to address it? [36:24]
4. When was the last time you truly listened to someone’s needs before offering help or advice? How can you practice listening more intentionally this week? [48:09]
5. The idea of “seeing the Imago Dei” in others means recognizing God’s image in every person. Is there someone in your life you struggle to see this way? What would change if you did? [48:09]
6. The sermon ended with an invitation to joyful generosity, especially in supporting education for children. What does joyful generosity look like for you? Is there a specific way you feel led to give or serve right now? [01:07:24]
7. Think about a time when you tried to help someone but it didn’t go as planned. How might humility and small, faithful steps have changed the outcome? [48:09]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to give your group humble hearts, open ears, and eyes to see His image in everyone you meet. Pray for perseverance in serving others and for joyful generosity in whatever ways God leads.
Devotional
Day 1: Humility as the Foundation of Service
True transformation begins with a posture of humility, recognizing that we are not above those we serve but are called to walk alongside them as equals. Humility opens our eyes to the needs of others and allows us to listen, learn, and respond in ways that honor their dignity and worth. When we approach our neighbors, whether near or far, with humility, we become more receptive to their stories and more effective in our efforts to bring about lasting change. This foundational attitude is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less, making space for God to work through us for the good of others. [43:06]
Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to intentionally practice humility today, putting someone else’s needs before your own?
Day 2: Seeing the Image of God in Others
Every person you encounter, regardless of background, culture, or belief, is created in the image of God—Imago Dei. When you truly see others as image bearers, it becomes possible to empathize with their struggles and joys, recognizing your shared humanity. This perspective breaks down barriers and invites you to look beyond differences, fostering genuine connection and understanding. Empathy begins when you see yourself in another, and it is this vision that leads to compassion and meaningful action. [48:09]
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Reflection: Who in your life do you find it hardest to see as an image bearer of God, and how might seeing them this way change your attitude or actions toward them?
Day 3: Compassion Moves Us to Action
Empathy alone is not enough; true compassion compels us to act on behalf of those who are hurting or in need. When you allow yourself to be moved by the pain or struggles of others, compassion becomes the bridge between feeling and doing. This kind of action is not reactive but thoughtful, rooted in a deep understanding of the needs and context of those you serve. Compassionate action, especially when done in humility, brings about real and lasting change, both in the lives of others and in your own heart. [01:07:24]
Matthew 9:36 (ESV)
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Reflection: Think of a specific need you’ve noticed in your community—what is one concrete step you can take this week to respond with compassion?
Day 4: Persevering in the Call to Serve
Serving others and working for justice is rarely easy; it requires perseverance, especially when progress is slow or obstacles arise. When your calling is rooted in humility, empathy, and compassion, you are equipped to endure setbacks and frustrations, knowing that the work is bigger than yourself and may take a lifetime to bear fruit. The willingness to stay the course, even when it’s hard, is a mark of faithful service and a testament to the hope you carry for lasting transformation. [48:09]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: Where have you felt discouraged or tempted to give up in serving others, and how can you renew your commitment to persevere today?
Day 5: Joyful Generosity as Kingdom Investment
Generosity is not just about giving resources, but about investing in the lives and futures of others with joy and purpose. When you give—whether it’s your time, money, or talents—you participate in God’s work of empowering others and breaking cycles of poverty and injustice. Joyful generosity is a response to God’s love and a recognition that your gifts can have a ripple effect far beyond what you see, shaping communities and raising up future leaders. [01:07:24]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Reflection: What is one way you can practice joyful generosity today—no matter the amount or resource—and how might it impact someone’s life?
Quotes
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