Lending a Hand to the Lord

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17

As we head into the summer season, I find myself reflecting on the truth of Proverbs 19:17 and the incredible ways our Women's Ministry has been living it out. This past season has been filled with moments where kindness, generosity, and faithful service have made a real impact—and reminded us that every act of compassion is, in fact, a gift to God.

Our Women’s Ministry recently completed a Discovering Your Gifts Bible Study, and it was a true joy to witness how uniquely and beautifully each woman is equipped to serve. After charting their top three spiritual gifts, the highest scores came in mercy, faith, service, and hospitality. These results confirmed what I’ve long observed: our congregation has a deep, genuine calling to serve others.

And serve they did.

Just before our summer break, we held a food drive for our friends at Park Middle School. Their school counselor reached out in need—their food pantry was nearly empty. When I shared the request with our Women’s Ministry, they responded without hesitation. I am proud to be part of such a generous and caring community.

One of my favorite moments was hearing from a friend who went shopping with her daughter. “We had so much fun picking things out,” she told me. Another couple showed up with a trunk full of Costco food. The wife said, “I just imagined what I’d want to eat if I were in their shoes—something easy to prepare.”

As I looked at the donated food, I realized I had come full circle. There was a time in my life when I was the one in need. I know what it’s like to open the refrigerator and see only a head of lettuce—no meals, no options, just hunger. (And we didn’t even eat salads!) Perhaps my mom bought lettuce simply because it was the most affordable option she could find.

It’s no wonder my heart is always tuned to the needs of the hungry. I believe that when we respond to those needs, we are fulfilling Proverbs 19:17—lending a hand to the Lord Himself. Whether it’s physical hunger or emotional pain, I want to be part of the solution.

But the need doesn’t stop with food. There is also hunger of the heart—grief, loneliness, crisis, or isolation. That’s where the Stephen Ministry comes in. I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and compassionate Stephen Ministry Leaders I know. Together, we help match caregivers with people in need of emotional and spiritual care.

If you’re not familiar, Stephen Ministers are church members who have completed over 50 hours of training to provide one-on-one support to those navigating difficult seasons. They meet weekly with their care receivers to listen, encourage, and walk alongside them.

Here’s what one Stephen Minister shared about her experience:

“I became involved in Stephen Ministry when someone—who I believe saw the God-given gifts of compassion and encouragement in me—suggested I join. I believe that those gifts, combined with the challenges of my life, made this a good role for me. I truly enjoy journeying alongside someone who is facing their trials, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. When I’m with my care receiver, I often feel I’m seeing them as God does—through His eyes of love and compassion.

I’ve journeyed with four care receivers, each with their own unique story. Even if their challenges differ from mine, when God is part of the equation, barriers fall away. I am the 'carer'—and God is the ‘curer.’”

And here’s another powerful testimony—from someone who received care and then chose to give back:

“About 10 years ago, I was in a tough place—newly divorced, seriously ill, lonely, and afraid. I had to leave my job on disability. I remember praying, ‘Lord, what am I going to do?’ I felt hopeless.

Though I kept attending Hillspring, I couldn’t even drive. That’s when some kind church ladies stepped in—checking on me, bringing meals, driving me to appointments. Their mercy was a lifeline.

When I was offered the opportunity to become a Stephen Minister, I said yes immediately. It truly felt like God was sending me an angel. My Stephen Minister visited me weekly, sometimes more often. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone—God and my angel were walking with me.

As I got stronger, I knew I wanted to give back. I completed the Stephen Ministry training, made new friends, and began serving my first care receiver. It was deeply meaningful—I had become the kind of support I once needed.”

Whether you’re in need of care or feeling called to care for others, Stephen Ministry is a beautiful exchange where mercy flows both ways.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a Stephen Minister—or if you’d like more information about the next training session beginning this fall—please get in touch with Renee Matson.

We are called to be in community. You don’t have to go through life alone. And remember—when we let others walk with us, we’re not just receiving help; we’re offering them the blessing of giving.

Because whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.

You were born—and chosen—to be a blessing.

Grimelda Sanchez

Pastor of Congregational Care