As I finished vacuuming my Honda at the car wash, the sun had just begun to set on a Friday evening and the sky filled with beautiful colors.The sky was painted in warm shades of yellow, orange and pink signaling the arrival of the Sabbath. Just then an unhoused man caught my attention, hunched over rummaging through a nearby trashcan and sipping water from a used water bottle. I could not help but think that he was someone’s child, father, brother — an individual who is loved. As I observed him I reflected and became self aware of how easy it is to neglect and ignore our community members who are suffering around us even on the Sabbath. I considered and questioned the situation. What if the Sabbath is more than simply a day of rest? What if it is also a time to reach out to those in need?
I felt that I needed to take immediate action and not just watch this happen. I called my mother telling her about what I had seen. We went to a nearby gas station and picked up some water and non-perishable foods and a comforting meal. We quickly returned to the gas station but, unfortunately, did not see him there. I felt down and in doubt. I wondered, What if I had missed the opportunity to help him? What if I waited too long?
We prayed asking God to guide us to him if I was meant to help and that he would be safe. As we drove down the road and passed through the traffic light, there he was walking down the sidewalk with all his belongings. It was meant to be, and I praised God that He led us right to his location. We pulled over and asked him if he was interested in the water and meal we had bought for him. We chatted for a bit and I asked for his name. Even though the little things I got for him would not fix his current situation I saw the gratitude in his eyes to be a seen individual and not invisible.
Sabbath: A Time for Rest, Reflection and Renewal
As Seventh-day Adventist we value and understand the importance of Sabbath as a day for rest, reset and reflection. We take this time to pause from our responsibilities and the tasks of our everyday lives to focus on our relationship with God. But as I was thinking about it I started to wonder: Can the Sabbath also be a day for service?
Jesus showed us through His ministry that He challenged the traditional views of the Sabbath. Jesus is the original activist! He healed on the Sabbath, teaching His disciples that taking action and doing right was always right. Jesus reminded us that the Sabbath was made for us to benefit from and not be a burden (Mark 2:27). Not only did Jesus rest but He also reached out to the community, showing that true rest is not only about taking a break but also being aware of our loved ones and community and responding to their needs.
Being able to help the unhoused man was the reminder that I needed to remember that the suffering of others does not stop or pause just because we have entered a sacred day, the Sabbath. True peace isn’t found by avoiding the struggles of the world but by stepping into them, shining God’s light in the darkest places.
Call to Action
That Friday evening, as I watched the man in need, I found myself asking how I could take action. As followers of Christ, Seventh-day Adventists are encouraged to live out our faith through acts of kindness and service, especially on the Sabbath. One meaningful way to do this is by assembling and distributing survival kits to those in need, offering practical help and a reminder of God’s love.
Essentials for survival kits
1) Basic Necessities
- Water Bottles – Hydration is essential for health
- Nourishing Snacks- Non-perishable foods, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts
- Backpack or Reusable Bags – Durable and easy to carry
2) Hygiene & Health
- First Aid Kit – Bandages
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Necessary for oral hygiene
- Soap & Wet wipes- Helps maintain cleanliness
3) Clothing & Warmth
- Hat & Gloves – Essential for colder weather
- Socks – To keep feet clean and warm
- Blanket & Sleeping Bag – Comfort and warmth
4) Faith & Encouragement
- Pocket Bible or Devotional – Sharing God’s Word can uplift others
- Church Resources – Sabbath service times, community meals, potlucks ● Prayer card or Handwritten note – personal note of encouragement
Jesus calls us to serve “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40). By coming together to assemble and distribute these kits as an outreach, you have the opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and compassion. Consider teaming up with your church, youth group or family to prepare the kits and pray over them before sharing them with others.
The next time you’re looking forward to the Sabbath, ask yourself : How can I use this sacred time to serve others? Through simple acts of kindness or larger community projects, the Sabbath offers us the chance to reflect God’s love in action.
Ashira Campbell is a passionate advocate for social justice and community engagement, with experience in organizing marches, protests and supporting those in need. Pursuing a degree in Communication and a minor in Social Work, she aims to become a licensed clinical social worker and Civil Rights attorney, using her platform to promote wellness, empowerment, advocacy and create meaningful change.
