In sharing about “Rural Compassion,” Kim and Laurel Harvey challenge us to recognize that we are the number one stakeholder in our community, commissioned by God to build bridges by serving stakeholders like mayors, fire chiefs, and teachers who influence many lives. Drawing from a church in Oswego, Kansas that became known as “That Church” through simple acts like providing school supplies and cleaning parks, they emphasize that creating a serving revolution is not an event but a culture requiring consistent relationship-building with no strings attached.
Our local public school is the hub of our community where teachers spend $1,000 annually out of pocket, presenting us with the greatest mission field opportunity to meet practical needs and position the church as the first place people turn in crisis. Laurel shares how her father’s life transforms when a couple says “Here I am, Lord, send me” and lets their lives reflect their love for Jesus, resulting in seven family members becoming ordained ministers. Let us move beyond episodic events to build a serving culture through strategic plans—bringing Gatorade to our fire department, dignity kits to school nurses, and campaigns of thankfulness throughout town—recognizing that just 15 minutes a month builds relationships that change everything when we understand ourselves as missionaries commissioned to our own communities.
