Volunteering has always been the lifeblood of God’s people. As believers grow in love for one another, they explore the circumstances surrounding those in His global community who need support. Since the time of the Apostles, news of the Life and Teachings of the Lord Jesus has spread around the globe in the face of persecution without and corruption within. This will continue until He returns. Believers are designed to be connected across the many boundaries of language and culture that challenge our relational connections every day. Regardless of our human diversity, believers are One in the Spirit and experience a mysterious fellowship mediated by Word and Truth. If one suffers, everyone suffers. His disciples are designed to share, encourage and support one another. As they give in love, they receive from on High, from the endless source of Life and Hope. The challenge of fostering connectivity is especially true for those who face persecution -whether from discrimination, harassment, exclusion from housing or a workplace, assault, violence, hostility, kidnap or false imprisonment. Those who suffer can be fearful oF strangers. Aware of the consequences of betrayal, they do not easily connect with those who wish to help.
Volunteers need to create safe places for relationships. They can connect the rest of the Body of Christ with vulnerable believers. A church or individual believer, connected to a specialist trusted network serving those who suffer, can play a leading role in strengthening the Body of Christ. YWAM Kausar has created such networks, both in London and overseas. The team has been serving persecuted believers for several decades. They are volunteers, in tune with some of the most urgent needs where the Spirit is working. Linking with this team enables resources to be targeted to serve an emerging movement of God amongst young people. In London and beyond, marginalised young believers want to know Him and make Him known, even in the ‘hard’ places.
Any level of involvement will impact you as an individual. As the suffering church enters your personal world, God will guide you how to pray and how to respond. Being in touch with those on the frontlines will increase your faith. You will find new ways to ‘supply the needs of the saints’. You may even find ways to use your professional skills in the service of the persecuted. They need financial relief from poverty, but they also need better employment and funds to educate their children so they can become leaders of the future. Some need to learn how to start a business, others to build spiritual and social skills so they can relate to unbelieving neighbours. The opportunities are there for anyone who has learnt to ‘Obey all I have Taught You’ and is ready to ‘GO! ( St Matthew 28: 18-20). The Body of Christ disciples herself, whilst also discipling the nations!
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