“They know they’re not alone, that they’re important and loved by other Christians.”

Pauline Levert
Special to Spur Ottawa

“Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” That quote, often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, defines the outreach model of a group of men from Grace Presbyterian Church, in Orleans.

The New Commandment Men’s Ministries is a group of guys who volunteer their time to bring “care receivers” hope and help them out in practical ways.

“A care receiver is a widow, widower, single parent, or elderly couple who has little or no support from immediate family or friends,” explains John Head, leader of Grace’s New Commandment Men’s Ministries.

They currently have 14 Christian men, ages 18 to 70, involved in the ministry. They meet one Saturday per month for breakfast and fellowship. After that, they go support their care receivers for a couple hours by doing chores, and offering encouragement and prayer.

“It’s rewarding to know I’m helping someone in their difficulty.” Photo courtesy of New Commandment Men’s Ministires.

Head says their ministry helps care receivers “have renewed hope that God will provide for their needs. It’s Christ’s love in action. I’m blessed to be used by the Lord to bless others. The receivers know they’re not alone, that they’re important and loved by other Christians.”

The group works in teams of two to four men, doing interior and exterior work. They trim and prune shrubs, paint, hang Christmas lights, rake, repair fences and gates, plant flowers and vegetables, help with computers; and the list goes on.

Their motto comes from John 13:34 and 35, where Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Brian, a team member, says he got involved because he wants “to make a difference, however small it may be. Love in action. It’s rewarding to know I’m helping someone in their difficulty. It positively affects their family, as they know someone is attending to their spouse or parent.”

Brian says serving with the New Commandment Men’s Ministries also helps him maintain a godly mindset about helping people in day-to-day life.

“It provides an opportunity for me to experience God through serving Him.”

“It’s a heart change I received in the process of giving. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me more appreciative of what I have.”

“It provides an opportunity for me to experience God through serving Him,” adds team member Dan.

Ultimately, their goal is to show love and support to help people experience God’s love.

Andrew, another member, describes it this way: “This is one way of thanking God for His sacrifice for our salvation and to show God’s love through our actions, which hopefully will attract the attentions of neighbours and inspire them to seek an intimate relationship with God.”