When he [Jesus] arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”

The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”

The man took Jesus at his word and departed.

John 4:45-50

Happy New Year! When the new year arrives, many think about what they want the year to look like. For example, two years ago, a friend and I declared 2021 the “year of book publishing” and we both published our books that year. (By the way, Christine Soule published Broken and Beautiful and I published Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation.) What expectations do you have for 2024?

Perhaps, it’s to start a nonprofit. I once had a taxi driver tell me his story about starting a nonprofit. He was a refugee from Ethiopia, who was persecuted for his academic position as a biology professor. He found his way to the States and wanted to teach at a university, but couldn’t because his credentials didn’t transfer. He’d have to start all over again with an undergraduate degree, which didn’t seem like a smart choice since he was feeding a family. So, he picked up jobs, like taxi driving, when he could. His experience made him want to help other Ethiopians who were coming to the States. 

In this journey, he found that many people caught his excitement, but when it came to doing the work or donating, they faded away. They wanted to provide advice, but not much more than that. He got a 501c3 nonprofit status, and that is as far as the nonprofit went. That was years ago.

In this case, and so many others, passion is necessary, but can’t carry a nonprofit to success. A good idea may not be what the community needs.

Jesus heard what was wanted in the community. In John 4, Jesus showed up and gave the community what they asked. In this case, it was the health of a young boy. He didn’t set up a 501c3 or just talk about what He wanted to do and ignore the real needs around Him. He came to Galilee, heard the need, and responded.

Using what God has given you in terms of experience, passion, and knowledge can catapult a nonprofit toward fulfilling its mission. However, if it’s not what the community is asking for, it will be a long and difficult journey. That would be like trying to teach a professor of biology from Ethiopia the basics of biology in America. Listen to the community – to the people God created – and if you can help using your expertise, then engage. And, if not, then pray for them and find where God wants you to serve.

Order Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation, a 28-day devotional for people who are separated from their spouse because of marital struggles.

© 2023, Mollie Bond. All rights reserved. Originally published at www.molliebond.org.