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“Scripture is reminding me I have a lot to give.”

-Luke McAllister, April 2015

The Idea

Luke and the youth group put together packets every month (see instructions below). Each Sunday, tubs of packets are set out in our church lobby for members to take and pass out to needy people they see asking for help during the week.

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Funded through the church benevolence committee (and some donations), the church orders packet supplies in bulk. The supplies are stored on office shelves, ready to be assembled by Luke and the youth group. The youth group forms their own assembly line to put together packets. Luke, who does many packets at home, has a tub with supplies organized in containers so he can easily move from left to right to assemble packets. Either way, this is a project in which individuals of most ability levels can participate.

The Results

Hundreds of packets have already been handed out in our area of Southern California, as well as in other states as members have traveled. Many of the local individuals in need have begun to recognize the packets, as they are helped by more than one member of the congregation. We have seen times when we didn’t have enough packets to go around and the individuals who received one would thoughtfully share items with their friends in need. The recipients of these packets have clearly been very appreciative of this effort.

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The members of our congregation have not only handed out hundreds of packets, but they have been affected themselves as they embraced the heart of the ministry. People on the street who we once ignored or who were invisible to us, we are now eagerly approaching. In some circumstances, members are even able to strike up a conversation with these individuals, often through the story of Luke. Through this ministry, the love of God is spreading and we are all the better for it

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This simple, powerful idea for sharing God's love has already spread to several other congregations. If you or your church are interested in beginning your own Packet Ministry, we've included details below to help you get started. We pray that the ministry will ultimately be used to glorify God.

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“The Good Samaritan story in the book of Luke reminds everyone to stop and help.”

-Luke McAllister, April 2015

How It Works

We prepare two types of packets---Original, which contain water bottles, and Travel, which are designed to be lighter and easier for travel.

Original Packets: The original packets can be kept in members’ cars. When they see someone in need, they can pull over and hand them a packet through the window.

Travel Packets: Luke added travel packets when members requested something they could take on planes or carry in backpacks. This slightly smaller version (without the water bottle) is easier to carry when members travel and might still encounter someone in need.

(We remind members to always use reasonable caution when approaching any stranger.)