Caring For Our Neighbors

Caring for Our Neighbors

A despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.

Luke 10:33-34

If you were in an automobile accident in Lancaster County, I’m certain the last thing you’d expect to see is an ambulance pulling up and an Amish man jumping out to help you. Yet that’s exactly what you might see. Lancaster County has as many as three hundred Amish and Mennonite volunteer firefighters, both men and women. Amish have been volunteering for generations. And some are even certified as emergency medical technicians.

Some Old Order Amish responders arrange with their neighbors for transport or live close enough to the fire station to get there by scooter. Many of the Amish believe this is a way to “love your neighbor as yourself.” In this community and others, Amish also help with disaster relief, blood donation, and hospice care.

They take seriously the words of Isaiah 58:7: “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” There are some who respond to hundreds of calls each year and come upon heartbreaking scenes. Yet they also discover that God helps them in their weakness. Their faith keeps them strong and helps them to serve.

Shouldn’t we all be so diligent? Shouldn’t we serve where it is hard and reach out to help those who need it most? It’s the hurting who need to feel God’s love through our care.

Dear heavenly Father, help me to step up to help instead of looking away. It’s hard leaving my comfort zone, but I’m thankful that when I do, You’re there waiting for me.