by Micah Ventura, Program Director, Greater Portland, OR
In my previous role as a crisis intervention family therapist, I often found that the most meaningful conversations with teens occurred during our drives together in my trusty two-door Honda Civic, affectionately named Percy. The car became an unexpected sanctuary for open dialogue as we journeyed with the music playing softly in the background and the world passing by outside. Whenever a young person shared something deeply personal, I purposely took a longer route, hoping to provide support in those moments.
It’s incredible how something as simple as a car ride can multiply the Lord’s work in the hearts of those we serve. We simply need to have faith that He will show up when we say “yes” to these seemingly small acts of service. Let me share a story that illustrates this beautifully. Earlier this year, we received a call from a local prison, where staff members presented a unique challenge. A mom was unable to maintain a relationship with her little boy due to her incarceration, and she longed to see him. With the need extending almost a year, SFFC staff explained the likelihood of offering consistent rides was slim, considering the distance and frequency. The mom and family maintained hope from the beginning, expressing they knew God would provide a way.
One afternoon, SFFC staff received a call from Jim, a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, who had heard about the need for rides for a little boy to see his mom twice a week while she was in prison. Being retired and a previous Uber driver, he saw this opportunity as the perfect fit for him. He quickly completed the approval and has since provided over 20 rides. Additionally, Tricia, another Family Friend, has tag-teamed offering rides so that this mom and child do not miss an opportunity to be together for the past two months!
Attachment theory highlights the importance of maintaining connections between parents and their children, especially during difficult times. Such bonds foster healthy relationships and positive self-esteem, reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes later in life. Strong evidence also shows that when incarcerated parents stay engaged with their children through visits, phone calls, and letters, it significantly enhances their mindset, leading to more successful reintegration into society with lower reoffending rates.
The rides provided by Jim, Tricia, and others highlight how saying “yes” to love and service can transform lives. This act of kindness benefits the parents and children involved and initiates a ripple effect of positive change in their lives. God takes these small acts, such as providing transportation, and uses them to perform works beyond our imagination, touching hearts and altering life trajectories.
Tricia shared, “It’s all God! ‘For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.’ Ephesians 2:10. I’m grateful they allowed me to meet her (mom).”
You’d think it would stop there, but the Lord multiplied the loaves and fish to the point where there was an excess. When God’s people say “yes” to serving others, the verse “it is better to give than to receive” has a biochemical outcome. It is said that when you help someone, your brain releases endorphins for over two weeks. Transversely, when you receive help, your brain releases hormones over one day. Never underestimate what the Lord can do with one simple car ride, in your heart and the heart sitting next to you.
“Now to him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus”. Ephesians 3:20-21