By Mandi Prince

This story begins several years ago when my friend Jennifer and I began feeling called by God to lead our children into loving others in Jesus’ name through service. We both were feeling that none of the academic subjects we were teaching would matter if the kids did not learn to love God and their neighbors through service. We encouraged our kids to begin a club/ministry together where they could plan different ways to serve others. They loved the idea and decided to name their club the “Hope Brigade.” We came up with an abundance of ideas for service and have been carrying them out ever since: picking up trash along the highway; helping elderly members of our church get wood for the winter; hosting a monthly hymn sing-along at our local nursing home; preparing care packages for missionaries; but I think the most impactful has been serving lunch at the Union Gospel Mission.

Our children have been inspired to get out and share about the Mission to every homeless person they see around Spokane. We bought a bulk supply of breakfast bars, which we keep in our van and hand out along with your service information cards. I can’t tell you how many times we have been on the wrong side of the road and the kids say, “Mom, can you please turn around so we can give that man with the sign a card and a bar?” How can I say no?

My daughter was also inspired to have a bake sale to raise money for the Union Gospel Mission. Our wonderful community was so generous and supportive that she was able to raise $186. One thing I know for sure, we are all learning that there is a double blessing in serving the Lord, and it truly is more blessed to give than to receive!