When you get home, there are tons of ways you can serve others. The people who live a few doors down from you probably have some of the same needs for relationships, service and love that you met while on your mission trip. There are plenty of ways to serve and love people in your own community. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Oh! And don’t forget to bring your friends along for these. Service with friends at your side is that much sweeter!

• Volunteer at an organization that already serves people in your community. Try a church, food shelf, camp or other non-profit organization that does good work in your community.
• Ask a neighbor if you can help… maybe you can volunteer to do some yard work, walk their dog or clean their garage. These kind of offers are rarely expected but often appreciated.
• Pick up some trash around town. You’ll be serving your entire community.
• Make someone some cookies. Service is never sweeter than when baked goods are involved!
• Visit an elderly care facility. Try it once and consider going back to visit one or two residents regularly. Being a friend to the elderly can be an incredible blessing.
• Serve the people whom you live with. Make a meal, do the dishes, organize the attic… The possibilities are endless. When you serve and love others, don’t miss the people closest to you.

What ideas do you have for serving your community?
Post your answers below, then read and respond to other people’s ideas.