As Christians, it’s important to get involved with the community and assist those less fortunate. Committing time to volunteer is important to your faith, as it recharges the soul in the same way that prayer, rejoice, and participating in retreats are important for your practice as a Christian. As written in Proverbs 31: 8-9; “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” There are many excellent and different ways that you can choose to volunteer overseas and promote strong values in the community and the neighbor.
Help the fight against poverty
Third-world countries, particularly in the African region, are a popular location to volunteer overseas and make an incredible impact on the communities involved. When traveling to African countries, volunteers have the opportunity to help those that do not have access to housing, clean water, or regular food. The children quite often have difficulty attending schooling due to a lack of resources and inability to travel the far distances to the schools. Christian volunteer missions focus on these areas particularly when traveling to Africa, and have many available missions that can accommodate your available length of time, desired region, and if you are traveling individually or with a group.
Natural disaster relief and volunteering
When natural disasters hit, the unexpecting areas are left devastated and greatly in need of support from their local community and their international neighbors. Galatians 6:2 reads Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. For this reason, volunteering overseas when natural disasters occur, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and landslides, is a great option for Christians to fully support those in need at a time of emergency and distress.
Medical and Nursing Volunteering
A wonderful way to help volunteer overseas is also to share your skills, notably your medical expertise if you have trained in this industry. Developing countries do not have the same level of access to clinics, hospitals, or medication, and they are constantly in need of qualified volunteers. Providing care to those less fortunate will truly be a deeply satisfying Christian mission and bring you closer to your faith.
Promoting community and helping thy neighbor is embedded in Christian belief, and volunteering overseas is a life-changing experience. Regardless of which option is the best fit, the mission will offer enlightenment and guidance in the practice of your faith.
