Oh, and by the way, we are now on Facebook as well as on Youtube. If you'd like to check out our Good Samaritan Mission Channel with Youtube, along with promotional videos on the Mission, click here.
The Bottom Line
Last year we received a visit from a pastor in the area. He had heard about the Good Samaritan Mission and was looking into getting involved with this unique ministry. At the moment, I was working on the new front sign, and was testing several "branding" phrases, i.e. short, pithy phrases that tells the people what we are all about. Our logo has the name that identifies us with the biblical story. The cross at the end of the name shows our hope. But, trying to capture what we have been doing at the Mission, in seven words or less, was more of a challenge.
Thankfully, this visitor had some experience in marketing. He looked at some of the copy we were playing around with, and finally honed in on one of the phrases. He stopped, thought for a while, then declared that this particular branding was the most effective. Why? Our visitor asked me, "If I were to give you a check for $10,000.00, what would you do with it?" I answered with three words.
Purpose. Community. Gratitude.
This is what the Good Samaritan Mission is involved in. But, what exactly does that mean? Allow me to explain.
Purpose: we believe that we have been created by our Creator for a purpose. We believe that we were created to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever, as the first question of the Shorter Catechism states. We help individuals find this purpose in their lives. If you think about it, once you get this straight then, whatever you do, whether in word or deed, you would do it to the glory of God. That means, everything! So, our main goal is to evangelize those that God puts within our reach. In addition, we also help individuals aim to reach their fullest potential of who God has called them to be.
Community: We have noticed that many of the people we serve are detached from our community and society. They see themselves as strangers in this land and, as such, come to the states to work, send their money "back home" and not play a part in society. We teach them a sense of community, not only as members of the Body of Christ, but as members of this American community. They too can contribute. They too can make a difference. We all need to support each other, for we all belong to the Family of Humanity.
Gratitude: Once they find their purpose, and find their place in the community, we believe that the result will be living a life of gratitude. As believers, living out our salvation, as a member of the Body of Believers, will result in a thankful life, living our lives in gratitude for the free gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We teach these individuals to give back to the community, to contribute to the welfare of their fellow man.
So far, we have been successful. I was telling someone just recently that if we were to close our doors for financial reasons, I would not be emotionally destroyed or discouraged. Why? Because we have witnessed a number of individuals who have found their purpose, are functioning as members of the community, and have both verbalized and demonstrated gratitude for what the Mission has done for them. In other words, we have seen lives transformed!
Let me ask you a question: which is easiest, to feed 5,000 people or raise someone from the dead? Feeding thousands of people is easy, given the right resources and system. But, to raise someone from the dead? That takes talent! And, this is exactly what we aim to do. We strive to raise people from the deadness of unhealthy attitudes and lifestyles through Purpose, Community, and Gratitude. We are looking beyond full bellies and aim for full lives, to be a hand-up and not a hand-out!
After 25 years, and in spite of the economy, we are still aiming toward seeing God transform lives through the ministry of the Good Samaritan Mission. So far, we have been faithful with the challenge that God has giving us and will continue to be until we hear our Master say those seven wonderful words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
To His glory and Honor!
The Good Samaritan Mission, Inc. is a charitable, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) Christian ministry. The Mission is dedicated to a holistic approach to enhancing the spiritual, emotional/psychological and physical quality of life of farm workers and others living in poverty.
We do not receive any funding from the government, except for the VPK educational program and School Readiness. Everything that we do is inspired by our love for Jesus, and is financed by private donations from friends like you. If you wish to make a donation, we encourage you to use the PayPal button to the upper left or by mail.
Your prayers, financial support and donations help to make a difference in the lives of needy families.
