If you live in the South, you know the hot season spans from ValentineÕs Day to Thanksgiving. This gives us plenty of opportunities to share a simple, refreshing bottle of cold water to people who are thirsty. WeÕve done this too many times to count, because itÕs such a hit. HereÕs how you can do it.
All you have to do is purchase some bottled water and ice it down in coolers. (NOTE: Buy high quality water. If youÕre gonna give it in ChristÕs Name, give the best.) Take the coolers to places where lots of people will be.
The beach
The park
Ball fields
Parking lots (Wal Mart, Costco, etc)
The DMV (just kidding!)
Some of these locations will necessitate that you call first, for example, a storeÕs parking lot. Usually, if you assure them you are giving it away for free, they donÕt mind, even though it might keep them from making a sale or two.
Simply instruct your group to approach the passers-by with a smile on their face, and ask them if they could use a TOTALLY FREE bottle of ice cold water, no strings attached. You might even say, ÒWe are just out and around, showing GodÕs love in a tangible way. You look like you could use a cool drink.Ó
I have found it best to say two things to the kids before we pray and split up to go serve the community.
1.Whatever you do, DONÕT take any money, even if itÕs a tip! That negates the whole idea of showing GodÕs love to us thatÕs free. If they say, ÒWell take it and put it in the offering.Ó Simply, and respectfully, invite them to go to a church of their choosing on Sunday and put it in themselves.
2.Prepare yourself for some people who just wonÕt believe itÕs really for free. They may decline, they may shout, they may get angry and swear. Just calmly withdraw and kindly say, ÒGod bless you,Ó to them.
DonÕt forget to reconvene after the handout is over to share stories and conversations. This is a great time, too!
Idea by David R. Smith
