I’ve recently been so aware of how a lot of us are all about accumulating and hoarding and holding onto as much as we can get our hands on. I’ve also seen people who have learnt the art of sowing, giving, and living life with an open hand.
One thing I’ve learnt is that the people who live with an open hand have a happier countenance – and they tend to impact the world.
This inspired me to ask a single question: If I wanted to be an open handed person, where would I invest my time? Have you ever asked yourself that question? If so, here’s a list of influential and effective organisations where you can give your time and make a difference beyond your four walls:
I’m sure many of us know the church or the music, but Hillsong also has a missions arm that has really impacted South Africa and the world. I know these guys would love to have you join them on team to volunteer in the many projects that they do every week. Also check out the iOS and Android App that they recently launched. You can either serve once-off or you can commit to it for a year.
Watoto Kids have been around for years – they are trustworthy and well respected. I’m almost certain that as you even give one month of volunteering, your heart will be impacted and you would want to do more. I love Watoto – they will really leave an imprint on you heart, and they also have an amazing church that you can visit while you’re there.
Thembalethu is one of only a few schools for children with disabilities in South Africa’s Western Cape province. The Hillsong Africa Foundation and Hillsong Church have both partnered with this school, which now has stay-in facilities and a feeding programme. It’s set in Gugulethu, Cape Town, and is full of life and sunshine and great people. Hillsong also recently started a congregation based at the school.
I have close friends who did Semester At Sea and they said it was one of the greatest experiences of their lives. The beauty of Semester At Sea is that you can study on board the ship while you’re volunteering and making a difference and exploring the world.
I hope this makes you want to do more, and that these options open your eyes to look beyond your own life!