I am always looking for creative ways and ideas to share the love of Christ with those who live nearby. It is difficult to reach strangers, so my first goal is to make friends of my neighbors. Since we live in an apartment complex, it is probably easy for me to reach out to those next door because of the convenience-everybody is next door! Rural and small town settings can be more difficult because it take more of an effort. But the principles are still the same.
1. Care-be genuinely concerned and caring about those who live nearby
2. Observe-don't be snoopy, but notice things about your neighbors
3. Make a consistent point to get to know them-it may have to be a scheduled time a month/season/etc.
Things a homemaker can minister to her neighbors:
1.If you have older neighbors, offer to carry out their trash and bring back their trash can for them
2. If you know one of your neighbors is home-bound or doesn't have a car, offer to pick up something for them when you go grocery shopping
3. Offer to do housework or small repairs for those who are unable
4. If you earn a working mother's trust, offer to watch her children
after school until she gets home from work
5. Watch out for neighbors moving out offer to help move a few boxes or clean for them when they move.
6. If a new neighbor moves into the area, within the first week of their arrival-take them a meal or dessert, introduce yourself and welcome them.
7. Learn your neighbors names and a little bit about them to carry on a small conversation when passing
8. If you move to an area-don't wait for people to come welcome you, take some cookies, go around and introduce yourself to your neighbors
9. If you see an ambulance in a neighbor's drive, make it your business to call them and find out if everything is ok-offer to watch their house, pets, children, etc if they will be ill for some time
10. If a neighbor dies-attend the funeral and pay a visit to encourage them a month later
11. For holidays, take cookies or treats to your neighbors and wish them happy holidays-Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and 4rth of July are the best ones
12. Invite them over on an individual basis for a meal or just for tea and cookies
13. If you get snow, shovel not only your driveway but a neighbor's drive as well
14. Offer to rake leaves for busy neighbors
15. Smile and say "hi" don't ever walk by a neighbor as though they don't exist
16. If you have the room-host neighborhood events-campfires/picnics/Easter egg hunts
17. Start a neighborhood yard-sale
18. If you notice a neighbor has had a baby - take a gift and congratulate them-the same goes for marriages and graduations
19. Be polite-don't be known as the loud/annoying/party animals-be quiet and keep your children quiet after 10 pm and before 6 am.
20. Listen-if a neighbor stops you and starts sharing from the heart-don't be too busy to listen
The point is simply "love your neighbor as yourself" Think about them and their needs. Seek ways to help and encourage. Let them know that you are a person they can trust and count on to pray for them in a crisis. Enjoy being a good neighbor.
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