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Table of Contents
About The Book
We all have a purpose in life. We are not an accident. We may not know or understand it fully yet, but we do have a purpose. We have a God-given reason to exist. We were created with a purpose, as part of God’s master plan. Our purpose includes a life of service. We were uniquely created to help serve others, and not just yourself.
Did you know that God actually prepares opportunities for us to serve? Yes, the Almighty Creator of all that we know cares enough about each of us to give us special occasions to help other people. He wants to teach us to become more like Him through service. In the Bible, the apostle Paul says so. “For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” (Ephesians 2:10) That is the purpose of this book as well. It is to remind and encourage both Christians and non-Christians of the amazing plan and responsibility to serve. Anyone who helps handicapped children or mentally disabled adults, or serves the homeless knows how much they get in return. It feels good to help others. Those who give often receive back much more than expected.
The reader will find Willing Hands full of proven ideas and simple reminders that service is not complicated, costly, or out-of-reach. Each suggestion has been written to be concise and to-the-point. Each recommendation within this book can easily be made an active part of our lives. Service may not always easy, and sometimes we all need a bit of encouragement and support, but it truly is a great way of life.
Did you know that God actually prepares opportunities for us to serve? Yes, the Almighty Creator of all that we know cares enough about each of us to give us special occasions to help other people. He wants to teach us to become more like Him through service. In the Bible, the apostle Paul says so. “For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” (Ephesians 2:10) That is the purpose of this book as well. It is to remind and encourage both Christians and non-Christians of the amazing plan and responsibility to serve. Anyone who helps handicapped children or mentally disabled adults, or serves the homeless knows how much they get in return. It feels good to help others. Those who give often receive back much more than expected.
The reader will find Willing Hands full of proven ideas and simple reminders that service is not complicated, costly, or out-of-reach. Each suggestion has been written to be concise and to-the-point. Each recommendation within this book can easily be made an active part of our lives. Service may not always easy, and sometimes we all need a bit of encouragement and support, but it truly is a great way of life.
Excerpt
Acknowledgments
I would like to recognize those closest to me who have been inspiring, personal examples of service. My dad, Elwood Richard, became a giant in the nutrition industry, but was equally known for his humility, kindness and service to others. He continues to inspire me and remains my greatest mentor and role model. My mom, Betty Richard, served my brother, David, sister, Sharon, and myself for many years when dad was away from home, working 80+ hour weeks. She quietly cared for our family despite little recognition and she instilled our Christian faith. Thanks indeed Mom!
My wife, Beth, has lived a life of service and really been a helpmate in recent years as we became very involved with refugees. Our life is better because of this life change, and Beth has done more to help others than anyone i know. My children Nathan, Faith and Adam have developed a willing spirit as well. This was essential when the Emena family of ten came to live at our house for almost a month in 2012! Life has never been the same since. That experience led to our eyes being opened to a new way of giving. Thank you to the amazing parents Ramazani and Sangani for their incredible life story and friendship. My life is better for knowing you.
I would like to thank the following people for their insights and wonderful contributions to this project: an anonymous sister on Chapter 2; Sue Johnson and her mom, Marie, on Chapter 3; Bruce Parker on Chapter 9; Dana Pratt on chapter 10; Nathan Richard on Chapter 21; and Kari Larsen on Chapter 22.
I would like to recognize those closest to me who have been inspiring, personal examples of service. My dad, Elwood Richard, became a giant in the nutrition industry, but was equally known for his humility, kindness and service to others. He continues to inspire me and remains my greatest mentor and role model. My mom, Betty Richard, served my brother, David, sister, Sharon, and myself for many years when dad was away from home, working 80+ hour weeks. She quietly cared for our family despite little recognition and she instilled our Christian faith. Thanks indeed Mom!
My wife, Beth, has lived a life of service and really been a helpmate in recent years as we became very involved with refugees. Our life is better because of this life change, and Beth has done more to help others than anyone i know. My children Nathan, Faith and Adam have developed a willing spirit as well. This was essential when the Emena family of ten came to live at our house for almost a month in 2012! Life has never been the same since. That experience led to our eyes being opened to a new way of giving. Thank you to the amazing parents Ramazani and Sangani for their incredible life story and friendship. My life is better for knowing you.
I would like to thank the following people for their insights and wonderful contributions to this project: an anonymous sister on Chapter 2; Sue Johnson and her mom, Marie, on Chapter 3; Bruce Parker on Chapter 9; Dana Pratt on chapter 10; Nathan Richard on Chapter 21; and Kari Larsen on Chapter 22.
Product Details
- Publisher: Square One (June 8, 2018)
- Length: 110 pages
- ISBN13: 9780757054617
Raves and Reviews
"This concise, short book is jam-packed with tips and ideas about how best to serve The Lord. It would make an excellent text for churches to hand out and discuss in small group studies. It will help open a dialogue where Christians can help one another find where they can serve in the church and how . . . [Willing Hands is] an important message that needs to be told."
– Suzanne McClendon, "P.S. Annie" (blog)
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