Faith and action: Serving communities with dignity
A powerful force drives action. A hope that when one acts, a change is experienced.
In a Christian based set up, faith is the hope that we possess, burning within our hearts, that which positive thing we do will not disappoint in perpetuating positive social transformation.
True service is not just the meeting of needs: it also combines recognizing the worth of every person and walking alongside them with respect, compassion and humility.
Faith becomes visible through action.
In the context of our beneficiaries, this principle is especially relevant as their life experiences remind us that meaningful service in not about charity from a distance but about serving with dignity.
At its core, faith calls us to see people more than their circumstances.
To see them in the light of useful people in the society that they are capable of becoming.
A teen mother or pregnant adolescent is not defined by early unwanted pregnancy.
A rehabilitated former street boy is not defined by homelessness, survival mode or extreme difficulty living in the street.
A youth living with disability is not defined by their physical limitations.
Every individual possesses unique talents, dreams and potential that deserves to be harnessed, nurtured, guided and most importantly, celebrated.
How then can we be able to serve with dignity?
Dignity centered service begins with recognition.
Accepting that these are the circumstances that are presently in their lives and that they need to be addressed.
Interrupted education, extreme economic hardship that leads to poverty, societal stigma and emotional isolation are present realities in their lives.
It is then that we may move to dignity centered service where we not only provide for their direct needs but also empower them.
It involves listening before acting.
When faith inspires service that restores confidence and self-belief, lives begin to change.
A youth that has perpetually been told or has experienced emotions of worthlessness will begin to see themselves differently when someone believes in them.
We are not using our faith to be as rescuers and perpetuators of the helplessness and dependency syndrome; we are living our faith in being partners in their journeys towards healing and restoration.
Dignity centered service recognizes and accepts that people are not projects or errors to be fixed.
It instead accepts the idea that those being served also have something meaningful to offer.
Our communities become stronger when everyone, those serving and those being served, is given the opportunity to collaborate, participate and lead.
True faith and action are interwoven as to be inseparable from the other.
Faith inspires action while action turns compassion into tangible impact, which leads to dignified service.
A sermon well preached is a life well lived.