For all of us, there will be seasons when we need the compassion of others and times when we may extend compassion to others. Mercy Ministry is essentially the help and care that we give to one another in times of need.

If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to either your small group leader or a member of our church staff, and we'll see what we can do. If you're looking to be a blessing to others, below are some ways you can do that. 

GBC MEALS MINISTRY

When life takes an unexpected turn or becomes stressful, a meal from a friend is very encouraging. This ministry is designed to help those in our church body during times of rejoicing and suffering, such as the birth of a child, a family member in the hospital, or a death in the family. You don't have to know how to cook in order to volunteer. You just have to be willing to prepare or purchase a portable, healthy meal and take it to a family in need. This is a wonderfully simple, heartfelt, and necessary ministry.

New to GBC? Don't be afraid to jump in and take a meal to a family you don't yet know. This is a wonderful way to get to know other GBC attendees as we bless each other in times of need.

We would love more volunteers for this ministry as we meet the needs of a growing church body. Getting set up to receive notifications when a family needs a meal is easy. Just email the Meals Ministry and register here to sign up!

BEREAVEMENT

THE LORD IS NEAR TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES THE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT. (PSALM 34:18)

When we experience the loss of a loved one, we are reminded of the brokenness in this world that results from the Fall and the hope that we can have in the one who conquered death itself: Jesus. When those in our community are bereaved, our main goal should be to move towards them as a reminder that they are not alone in their grief. This can manifest in several ways:

• Call, Text, or Visit them in their home. If you don't know what to say, here are some ideas: Conversation Prompts
• Send them meals or a grocery basket of snacks and contact the church to set them up within the GBC Meals Ministry (meals@gbchouston.org)
• Attend the funeral/memorial service (your attendance means more than you think, and is a meaningful encouragement)
• Consider helping with food and set up for a funeral reception (if there is one). It's customary for friends and community to fill this role, and it could be really encouraging if your small group is up to serve in this way
• Ask a church staff member to have a pastor call or visit
• Here are some Helpful Articles to understand caring for the bereaved:
  • Yes, You Should Say Something: Overcoming Awkwardness with Grieving People
  • When Christian Comfort Hurts More Than It Helps

NEW CHILDREN

Children are a tremendous gift from the Lord! While this is true, it doesn't mean that welcoming new children into a home - through delivery or adoption - is easy. One way that we may bless each other is by supporting families that have grown in size! Here are some suggestions for how to do that:

• Offer to send a meal, and also contact the church to set them up with the GBC Meals Ministry (meals@gbchouston.org)
• Send a baby gift or gift card
• Offer to Babysit older siblings
• Reach out to the church if a family needs additional help with gift cards, medical bills, etc.

HOSPITALIZATIONS/ILLNESSES

When hospitalizations or major illnesses come into play, it can easily be a discouragement. This is the perfect time to come alongside one another in caring concern:

• Visit folks in the hospital. Even if you can't stay long, showing up is a tremendous encouragement. If you're not sure what to say, here are some ideas: Conversation Prompts
• Send meals to the hospitalized, to their family at home and contact the church to set them up with the GBC Meals Ministry
• Offer to babysit
• Reach out to the church to have staff/elders/pastors visit the hospital (email Stacie Pfeffer)

PERSONAL HARDSHIP

BE DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE. HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE YOURSELVES. NEVER BE LACKING IN ZEAL, BUT KEEP YOUR SPIRITUAL FERVOR, SERVING THE LORD. BE JOYFUL IN HOPE, PATIENT IN AFFLICATION, FAITHFUL IN PRAYER. SHARE WITH THE LORD'S PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED. PRACTICE HOSPITALITY.

This passage (Romans 12:11-13) provides great encouragement for engaing with those in need. There are countless ways that we may experience difficulty - relational strife, addiction, material/financial need, unemployment, and more. In just about every circumstance we recommend a call to discipleship. Relational investment is our primary strategy for meeting one another where we are. In addition, here are some other ways that we can serve one another:

• Reach out to a member of our church staff for pastoral counseling and direction on certified counselors (if you aren’t sure of who to contact email Stacie)
• Share material needs with your small group or reach out to our missions and mercy coordinator on staff (email Stacie). We are happy to try and help with needs such as (not limited to):
  • Rides to church
  • Housing needs
  • Budgeting and financial coaching
  • Job searching
• Join the men's recovery group on Tuesday nights. Reach out to Hayden Potkotter to find out more.