Help
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. ~ Acts 11:29
When a severe famine swept the Roman world, the believers in Antioch didn’t hesitate, they gathered what they could and sent relief to those suffering in Judea. This snapshot of the early church shows how God’s people respond when crisis strikes: they give, they serve, and they do it together.
I saw a modern-day example of this during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020. While much of the country closed its doors, many churches opened their parking lots as drive-through pantries, offered prayer hotlines, and delivered meals to seniors and the sick. Big companies like Walmart, Costco, and Sysco donated truckloads of groceries and supplies so local congregations could distribute them. Even today, disaster-response teams from churches continue to show up after hurricanes, floods, and fires. It’s a living picture of Acts 11: the body of Christ meeting needs with whatever resources God has placed in their hands.
Here are some practical ways you can be a part of the body:
- Give regularly to relief funds.
Set up a monthly gift to your church’s benevolence fund or to a trusted relief ministry (Convoy of Hope, Samaritan’s Purse, Team Rubicon).
Even small, consistent giving builds a reserve that can be deployed quickly when crisis comes.
- Join or start a community network.
If your town has a food-distribution hub or disaster-prep group, volunteer your skills by packing boxes, driving or making calls.
If you don’t have a network close by, you can gather neighbors to share emergency contacts, tool lists, or bulk-purchased supplies.
- Prepare personally and spiritually.
Keep basic emergency items on hand (water, non-perishable food, first-aid kits) so you’re able to help others, not just yourself.
Daily ask the Holy Spirit for discernment: “Show me where I can be a source of relief today.”
- Mobilize your church.
If your congregation doesn’t yet have a plan, propose forming a relief team. Draft simple steps: designate storage space, build a volunteer list, and connect with local agencies now, before a disaster hits.
Here is how you can get started right away:
- Choose one: set up a recurring gift, sign up to serve at a food bank, or stock a small emergency kit.
- Invite a friend: caring multiplies when done with others.
Today I want to encourage you that the same Spirit who stirred the believers in Antioch is stirring us today. Whether famine, pandemic, or natural disaster, God positions His people to be first responders of hope. Your contribution whether large or small, matters. When each of us gives “according to our ability,” needs are met, hearts are encouraged, and Jesus is seen.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 11:27-30
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Journal:
- Where can I offer practical help right now such as: time, resources, or skills?
- Ask God to highlight one concrete step and write it down along with a date to act on it.
The Daily Dose 