Serving with Joy: The Power of Community and Faith

This past week was filled with moments that challenged both body and spirit, but also revealed the deep joy that comes from serving others. Working alongside fellow volunteers, we helped a homeowner clear out the lingering debris and mud from a flood that happened two years ago. The physical labor was demanding, but the real gift was the connection we made with the homeowner. She had waited so long for help, and as we worked together, we learned about her life and her faith. When we gathered to pray, her request was not for her house, but for her faith to be strengthened. That moment reminded us that the deepest needs are often spiritual, not just material.

Each morning, I questioned why I had chosen to spend my vacation this way, but by the end of each day, the answer was clear: this is what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ. One project that especially stood out was our time at the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. In a neighborhood where access to fresh food is scarce, this farm provides vegetables and fruit to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The farm is a testament to what a community can accomplish when it comes together to meet real needs. The refurbished homes on the property now serve as a community center and even an Airbnb, creating spaces for connection, learning, and income for the farm.

The farm’s owner, Billy, shared with us the challenges they face, especially as grant funding is cut and resources become scarce. Despite these hardships, the farm continues to serve its neighbors, and our small contribution—harvesting 300 pounds of collard greens and helping with various tasks—felt like a drop in the bucket compared to the ongoing need. Yet, every act of service matters. As we left, I felt a longing to do more, which led to the decision to take a special offering to support the farm’s mission. This is an invitation to put generosity into action, to support a ministry that is truly transforming its community.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True service is not just about meeting physical needs, but about entering into the lives and stories of those we serve. When we take time to listen and pray with others, we discover that the deepest wounds and hopes are often spiritual. Our presence and compassion can be as healing as any material help we offer. [43:38]
• 2. The value of community is seen most clearly in times of hardship. The Oakland Avenue Urban Farm exists because neighbors came together to transform empty lots into a source of life and hope. When we join in these efforts, we become part of a story that is bigger than ourselves, one that reflects God’s vision for restoration and abundance. [44:34]
• 3. Generosity is not just a value to be talked about, but a practice to be lived. When we give—whether it’s our time, our resources, or our prayers—we participate in God’s work of provision and care for others. Even small acts of generosity can have ripple effects that bless entire communities. [45:41]
• 4. Serving others often requires sacrifice and discomfort, but it is in these moments that we encounter God’s presence most deeply. The question shifts from “Why am I doing this?” to “How can I do more?” as we see the impact of our service and the gratitude of those we help. [43:38]
• 5. The needs around us are ongoing, and our response should be continual. Supporting ministries like the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm is not a one-time act, but an ongoing partnership. As we give and serve, we help sustain vital work that brings hope, dignity, and nourishment to our neighbors. [46:47]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [43:38] - Cleaning Up After the Flood
• [43:55] - Connecting with the Homeowner
• [44:10] - The Power of Prayer and Faith
• [44:34] - Introduction to Oakland Avenue Urban Farm
• [44:50] - Addressing Food Deserts
• [45:05] - Community Transformation and Refurbished Homes
• [45:20] - The Community Center and Its Impact
• [45:41] - Conversations with Billy
• [45:55] - Challenges of Funding and Staffing
• [46:10] - Our Group’s Contribution at the Farm
• [46:25] - The Desire to Do More
• [46:47] - Special Offering for the Farm
• [47:00] - Living Out Generosity
• [47:15] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Reading

Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV) —
> For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

- Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

> Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Observation Questions

1. What was the homeowner’s main prayer request after the group helped clean her basement? ([43:38])
2. What are some of the ways the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm serves its community, according to the sermon? ([44:34])
3. What challenges did the farm’s owner, Billy, share with the group about keeping the farm running? ([45:41])
4. How did the group respond after seeing the ongoing needs at the farm? ([46:47])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the homeowner asked for prayer for her faith instead of for her house or material needs? What does this reveal about her priorities or understanding of need? ([43:38])
2. In what ways does the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm reflect the idea of “bearing one another’s burdens” from Galatians 6:2? ([44:34])
3. The sermon mentions that serving others often requires sacrifice and discomfort. Why might these moments be where we encounter God’s presence most deeply? ([43:38])
4. How does the story of the farm and the group’s response connect to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:35-40 about serving “the least of these”?

Application Questions

1. The homeowner’s deepest request was for her faith to be strengthened, not just for her house to be fixed. When you face challenges, do you tend to focus more on physical needs or spiritual needs? How can you shift your prayers or actions to reflect both? ([43:38])
2. The farm continues to serve its neighbors even when resources are scarce. Is there a place in your life where you feel called to serve, even when it’s inconvenient or you feel you don’t have enough to give? What would it look like to step out in faith in that area? ([45:41])
3. The group’s small act—harvesting collard greens—felt like a “drop in the bucket,” but it still mattered. Can you think of a time when a small act of service made a big difference for someone else? How did that experience impact you? ([45:41])
4. The sermon describes a longing to do more after seeing the needs at the farm. Is there a ministry or need in your community that you feel drawn to support more deeply? What is one practical step you could take this week? ([46:47])
5. Generosity was described as a practice, not just a value. What is one way you can practice generosity this month—with your time, resources, or prayers? ([46:47])
6. The farm is sustained by ongoing partnership, not just one-time help. Are there relationships or ministries in your life that need more consistent support from you? What would it look like to commit to ongoing involvement? ([46:47])
7. The sermon mentions that serving together created deeper connections with both the homeowner and among the volunteers. How have you experienced relationships growing through serving with others? Is there someone you could invite to serve alongside you in the future? ([43:38])