Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Layla, how can people recognize and act on humanitarian needs right where they are?

Layla Wilder:
Well, I think it’s important first to keep in mind that humanitarian needs or social justice work can include a lot of actions. I think sometimes we tend to think of people in, like, crime ridden neighborhoods without food or adequate shelter that need to get help, but I think it can look a lot of different ways as well. It can mean visiting the dying in a low income hospice program. Or doing a Christmas pageant at a local jail. Working in human trafficking. Even advocating at the local policy level for the vulnerable. So, just to keep a broad view of what it looks like.

And then, once you get an idea of what you are gifted to serve in, just seek out other people who are interested in the same thing in your community and just kind of shadow them, ask them questions, see if you can volunteer with them.

I’m also learning that in helping the needy, there aren’t quick fixes. So, helping them sometimes means faithfully being patient and acting on the things the Lord brings to our attention and sometimes that means in insignificant ways. But as long as we are faithful and patient to fill those needs, I think that’s fulfilling, and I think that’s what humanitarian work looks like.

Mike:
Well, these are really good things for all of us to keep in mind! Thanks so much for joining us today, Layla. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.