What could be done if our churches decided to take $10,000 and invest it in local community outreach? What if your "mission trip" became one across the street or around the corner? What would happen if single-parent homes were identified and you became involved in helping out with groceries, or childcare, or tutoring, or home and car repair, or with a listening ear to hear the pain and heartache they are walking through all alone?

What if those several thousands of dollars were invested in helping to care for sick, elderly, or disabled people within a few miles of your home or church? Maybe they just need someone to sit with that one in need while the primary caregiver gets some time off each week. Perhaps there are those without transportation struggling and worrying about how they will get to the store, or to the pharmacy, or even to the doctor.

What if some from your church showed up at the home of someone unable to repair their roof or plumbing or take care of their yard, and your congregation offered to not only provide the manpower but the material also?

What if during the summer you were blessed with enough produce to carry around and share as gift baskets to those without home gardens or the knowledge of how to grow fresh vegetables? Do you think this might leave a lasting impression of you and your church and open the door to future friendly visits?

What if you took the time to note who in the community is new, or speaks a different language, or who has recently suffered a death in the family? What would happen if someone from your church knocked on their door to welcome them, lend a helping hand, or grieve with them?

Will you consider some of these possibilities, explore with others in your congregation the mission opportunities, and begin to pray how God would use you to make a difference in some of your neighbors' lives? Mission efforts really do begin at home, and the rewards are immeasurable for those we touch in the name of Jesus and for those of us willing to be God's hands and feet.