Planning a Community Block Party
Learn as much as possible about the population of the area in which you will minister. (We will be able to help you out with some information.) If possible, come for a site visit. Brainstorm with your group about what you would like to do in the areas of 1) food, 2) activities 3) entertainment 4) an evangelistic element. Get someone to head-up a group to plan, prepare, and execute each of the 4 components above. In working out the details, be sure to plan for the unexpected—whatever that may be. Prepare fliers that will be distributed your first day in the neighborhood. Give at least 3 days notice of the Block Party event. Be sure to secure equipment, supplies, etc that you did not transport from home. Spend a day or two in the neighborhood at the parks or common areas to try to get to know some of the residents and to get a feel for the general atmosphere of the community. Spend at least one day prayer walking the targeted neighborhood. If you like, we can provide some prayer walking guides for you. Be sure your group members know and are comfortable with what their job is on the day of the block party. The most important element is to commit to pray well before you arrive and during your stay in Greenville, SC.
Planning to Participate in the Construction Ministry
Inform the director of DHGH that your group will have skilled individuals. Let him know their areas of expertise and any tools you will be able to bring with you. He will then be able to secure a project that fits your group’s strengths and talents. A site visit would be very helpful for at least two group members to make. Begin to pray for your work and your workers.
Planning to Participate in Paint the Town
DHGH has a partnership with the city of Greenville who identifies low-income homeowners in need of assistance with the upkeep of their homes. The city provides all of the materials, and volunteers with DHGH provide the labor of painting and doing minor repairs (exterior only). This is a good ministry for someone whose skill level may not be as advanced as others. In the past 5 years, Paint the Town has been very popular with youth groups who have experienced much success and satisfaction from their work. Your workers should bring old clothes and close-toed shoes. Safety precautions and procedures will be explained upon your arrival. Begin now to pray for your group, the work they will do for the needy, and the homeowners themselves. This is a wonderful opportunity to minister to others in the name of Christ.
Planning to Work in a Soup Kitchen
Most soup kitchens will take only 6 volunteers per day. It is recommended that all members of your group have the opportunity to serve at least one day in a soup kitchen. If you are working in a soup kitchen, your day will begin promptly at 9 AM and conclude around 1 PM. This does not include travel time to and from the locations. It is important that DHGH is aware of your desire to volunteer in a soup kitchen as early as possible as vacancies fill up quickly. Your workers should have comfortable, close-toed shoes and clothing as they will be standing most of the time. They will also have the opportunity to interact with the folks who come through the food line. It is a great opportunity to minister to others. Begin now to pray for your volunteers, the people you will work with and the people you will serve.
Volunteering at Harvest Hope Food Bank
This food bank is one of the largest in the southeast and coordinates donations of food from area businesses and as well as the distribution of the food to pantries and agencies in the area. Your work may include sorting donated food, helping with the upkeep of the facility itself, packing emergency food boxes of staple items or any other need that may arise. The goal of HHFB is to address the hunger issues that are growing among individuals, families, and communities. Please pray that your help with this organization will be blessed and multiplied by God.
Planning to minister in a Nursing Home
The aging population continues to grow which means that the number of nursing home residents is also increasing. Many of these folks in nursing homes have few if any visitors. They need to stay as mentally active as possible to help maintain overall good health. Plan to have conversations with these residents. You may want to plan a game or activity (simple craft) that would be appropriate for those with limited mobility and/or fine motor skills. Most of the elderly enjoy singing hymns. Some may even want you to read to them or write a card or letter for them. Begin to pray now that God will lead you as you plan your visit to a nursing home, and be in prayer for those to whom you will minister.
Planning Park Ministry
Park ministry is a non threatening way to reach out to a community and show the love of Christ. When you go to the park, take outdoor game equipment and begin to play. You can count on someone asking to join in. This is your opportunity to start a conversation and begin developing a relationship with someone. Your group should be prepared to be good listeners as well as being comfortable with beginning a conversation and keeping it going. Be prepared to interact with others in all age groups. Begin now to pray for your park ministry encounters and the folks God will send your way.
Planning for Performance Ministry
There are a number of venues in our city that will allow performances. However there can be no amplified music or sounds. A 24 month police report on the leader of your group is also required in accordance with city and county regulations. Presenting short musical stories, skits, dance, and other creative arts activities are ways you will be able to minister through performance. It is imperative that your group is prepared. This will mean lots of practice to work out all of the kinks and to help give everyone the confidence to perform. Please submit your performance area and a brief description of your planned presentation at least 3 weeks in advance. Begin to pray for each other and your performances. Pray for God to send the people who need to hear your message to the venues where you will perform.
Planning a Prayer Walk
If you would like to do a prayer walk, let us know as soon as possible. We can give you some background and needs for an area in our community. Some of the DHGH staff will pray with you prior to your walk and may be able to accompany you on that walk. Begin now to pray for God’s guidance as you undertake this vital ministry for HIS kingdom.
Planning a Sports Camp
Before planning your Sports Camp, dismiss the idea that this will simply be a play time. In order to be effective, there must be sincere planning of activities and serious execution of your plan. You will have a location in a gym or park in one of 7 low income neighborhoods identified by the city of Greenville. You will need to plan a time of teaching skills with as much individual help as you can provide. You will also want to plan some “game” events that will give you the opportunity to teach good sportsmanship. You may want to have a break in the middle with a short Bible story/study and a snack. You may choose to do this at the end of each day to help keep the campers focused. A sports camp will be a 2-3 hour period of time. If you would email us a flier advertising your camp including the location (which we will provide) and the time, we will see that they get distributed. Commit to pray now for each of your members and the campers that you will encounter. Pray that your efforts will Glorify our Lord.
Planning Backyard Bible Club/VBS
If you choose to do a Backyard Bible Club/VBS, PLANNING will be the most important task that you and your group will have. Using VBS material has been very helpful for many groups as well as other prepared Bible lessons for children. We will want to know what material you plan to use. We may have more than one group who will want to minister to the community through Backyard Bible Clubs, and some locations may be used more than once during a season. It is best that the same material not be used by two groups. When the material is fresh, exciting and well presented, the children will be more focused and you will encounter fewer discipline issues. When you prepare, have all of the materials for each lesson together—stories, craft materials, pencils, CDs, battery operated CD player, costumes, refreshments, etc. You will not have time to do extensive planning once you arrive in Greenville. Be sure that each member of the group is aware of and comfortable with their responsibility for the day’s meeting. You will need background information on the area in which you will be ministering. We will provide that for you. You will want to prepare fliers to distribute in nearby neighborhoods. You can plan to do that on Sunday afternoon (if you arrive early enough) or early Monday morning. If you would like to send those fliers to us in advance, we can have them distributed for you. Please feel free to ask questions of us while you are planning and preparing. We will be glad to help. Begin now to pray for your group as they present Bible teachings and the children that will hear. Pray that God’s hand will be on each person involved.
Lawn Maintenance for the Elderly and Disabled
Recent studies show that the aging population is growing and to enhance the quality of life, living in their own homes for as long as possible is one of the healthiest things they can do for themselves both physically and mentally. Realizing this need, we offer FREE lawn care for the elderly and/or disabled. Beacuse this is one less worry for them, they can take more pride in thier surroundings and feel more comfortable and secure in their homes. The yards are important, but even more important are the people living in those homes. Most all of them are lonely and have little contact with others. If you and your group choose to do the lawn maintenance ministry, you will be beautifying someone’s yard, but you will have a precious opportunity to brighten the life of someone else. Your work assignments have been simplified with the GPS systems we provide for you to locate the homes easily. Pray for God’s guidance as you consider using your gifts and talents for others.
