Tag: summer

On Mission

Fun Summer Service Ideas

Kimmy

Summer is my favorite!! Mostly because I truly do love to be outside, sitting on my back porch and playing with the girls in the sweltering heat. What’s not to love about that? But I also love the freedom of our schedule being wide open! No school! No early mornings! Very few extra activities that we “have” to be at. Just me and the girls and fun and friends!

Each summer I strive to choose a few ways to encourage the girls to serve and love others. Summer seems to be an easier time to do this because of our more open schedule. Here are a few easy ideas to help us make this the best summer ever!

1. Invite a few friends over for a popsicle and water playdate! Try to Invite friends who you don’t see often or need encouragement or maybe the mama that seems to have it all together – cause chances are, she may be longing for fellowship too!

2. Set up a lemonade stand and either give ice cold glasses of lemonade away just to simply say “we love our neighbors” or if you do decide to sell it, donate your profits to a local non-profit or church to use.

3. PrayerWalk a neighborhood and then spend a little while playing at the park. We have a local event called Pray & Play and if you’re local, join us for the next one on May 30 at 10:00am. Our little ones can pray too – they don’t have to be elaborate or fancy but they can be simple.

4. Spend an afternoon serving together at a food pantry or clothing closet! We did this last year with my oldest and my two nieces and we had a blast! I answered lots of questions and we may have not gotten a ton of clothing hung on hangers but my girls were challenged and their eyes were opened to the need right in their community!

5.!Make cards and a care package for friends serving Jesus around the world! Send a few pool or summer toys for their kiddos to enjoy too! Families love to get a little taste of home! If you don’t have someone that you can encourage, let me know and I can help you get connected!

What are fun summer ways that you have served Jesus? Share with us over at Instagram so we can all be encouraged!

Blog, Mission Ideas

Summer of Service Fun

Kimmy

I absolutely love summer! Growing up, my father was a peach farmer so our days and especially the early mornings were spent on the farm, tromping through the fields, running in and out of the big cooler, hauling boxes and boxes of yumminess from S.C. to GA to TN and beyond. Looking back it was the best childhood, but I think I’ve blocked out the itchy peach fuzz, the 4am wake up calls, and the nasty peach smell coming from the rotten bin.

Summer also reminds me of family mission trips together. Each year, starting as early as third grade, my family along with many other families from our church, would pack up our vans and drive a few hours away and serve together for a week. The men mostly worked on construction of the church that hosted us, while the ladies and kiddos would lead backyard bible clubs in the morning and evening in nearby neighborhoods. We would also enjoy all our meals together prepared by some of the best ladies! It was the best and it laid a foundation in my life that loving Jesus was my priority and serving others was an expression of my love for Him. Those summers, all the way in to high school, were life changing for me and my family. We still reminisce about our summer mission trips together.

Summer can be such a fun time with our little ones and family, and it gives us great opportunities to share Jesus with others, but we must be intentional about our time and selfless with our lives and love. I would encourage you to look at your family and your time this summer and ask God to show you ways to be about the things that matter for eternity!

Here are some simple ideas to serve this summer!

1. PrayerWalk

Organize a prayer walk with your family or maybe a few other mama friends. Spend time walking in your town, around your schools, in your neighborhood and pray! Teach your children how to prayer walk. It’s just walking with purpose! Maybe end the walk with a special treat from the Icecream shop or the snocone shack!

2. Special Treats for Special People

Make some yummy IceCream or treats and take them to special friends like our police officers, fire fighters, ems. Or maybe take some to the construction crew that is working down the street in your neighborhood. Or maybe be on the lookout for your mail lady or ups delivery guy. Think of those that are out in the heat and could use some extra loving! Be sure to attach a note or card and share scripture or encouragement!

3. Lemonade Stand

Set up a lemonade stand and donate all the money that you raise to a local missions opportunity, to a friend going on a mission trip, or to a missionary serving overseas. Surprise them with the donation! Then spend time praying for BIG things this summer through that financial gift and gift of time.

4. Bottled Water giveaway

Get some super cold bottles of water and give it away to homeless friends on a super hot day. Sit and enjoy a conversation with them if they have the time, even though you’re hot!

5. Neighborhood Block Party

Plan a party or BBQ for neighbors to all get together and fellowship. Have fun together! Enjoy a yummy meal! Pull out the sprinklers or the water balloons and games. But Look for opportunities to share Christ during the night!

What other fun ideas do you have for your family this summer? How can you serve where you are? Share your ideas so we can learn from one another! And check out our Pinterest page for more ideas!