All too often people today get so wrapped up with the situations that presents themselves in their lives that they often forget about those who are less fortunate around them. They become greedy with their time, abilities, and resources as they strive for personal happiness. The gains they might achieve however, are usually unfulfilling in their lives, and often times, short-lived. In contrast, when an individual seeks out and performs a service or services to aid another, they set into motion a series of positive events that might be otherwise difficult to achieve by other means. The rewards obtained from such endeavors are usually lifelong and very gratifying. The apostle Paul wrote: We all have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, than prophecy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully (Romans 12:6-8, NIV). We are all blessed with gifts and abilities in which we can, should, and are expected to share with the lives of those around us. Performing a service for others less fortunate teaches us values such as humility and respect, while providing us an opportunity to obtain new skills. Helping others not only affords us an opportunity to better the lives of those less fortunate, but also allows us as Christians to go out into the world and make disciples amongst others, just as we are commissioned to do in the Bible (Matt. 28:16-20). As a middle school basketball coach for 16+ years, I had the opportunity to work with several children both on and off the court. The main project I invested in outside of the sport was to require each of my students to perform at least one service within our community, and then to write a one-page essay about their experience. The project has an overwhelming success: the players gained new skills, built self-esteem and teamwork, all the while nurturing a sense of responsibility. At the same time, the community benefited by experiencing aid that they might not otherwise afford, received an overall improvement within their lives, and felt an overall increase in community spirit. As an active participant in most of these services, I have experienced many of the same gains. Servitude benefits all those involved!
Many churches within the country of Mexico have fallen into great decay (structurally), and some no longer exist, due to many external forces that surround their existence. Given the chance, I would like to travel to Mexico and aid in repairing or rebuilding many of these Christian churches. I have quite a bit of experience in the field of construction, but have never really used these skills in this manner. By traveling with other Christians, a