Outward Focused Lottery
In everything we do, we want to point to Jesus with our lives. A simple way to respond to the “why are you doing this?” question is to just say, “I wanted to show you God’s love in a practical way, and what’s more practical than…” Some people won’t ask the question, and you can still answer them with your actions. Apparently they speak louder than words. Who knew?
The 20 that made the final cut
Pay for someone in line with you
“Hey, I’d just like to treat you to a free (coffee, lunch, movie, etc.) to show you a bit of God’s love. Let me do that for you, ok?”
Drive thru freebie
Just let the person at the pay window of a drive thru restaurant that you’re picking up the tab for the person in line behind you. Ask how much, hand over some cash and the connect card and you’re on your way. You’ll probably get a fun reaction out of the drive thru person taking your money as well.
Pay for a stranger’s meal
You can do this while your small group or family is out for a meal. You can also just pop into a restaurant and pay for a random table.
Do a neighbor’s yardwork
It’s easiest to do this when your neighbor is already doing some lawnwork. You can show up with a rake, lawn bag, or whatever you’ve got…and join the fun.
“Love Attack” a single parent
This one is fantastic. You’ll love it. Find an unsuspecting single parent and tell them that they have you for two hours. You’ll paint, fix, clean or do whatever they need around the house. You might want to warn them that you’re not a professional painter/fixer/cleaner person…but you can clean out basements, garages, drawers or whatever else they need done, with the best of them.
This is a great one for a family or a small group. Call the Healing Center if you need helping finding a family or individual to serve.
$1 car wash (give them the dollar)
Throw together a $1 Car Wash sign, a bucket, sponge, some soap and water and you’ve got all the makings for a car wash. When they go to give you the dollar – just stop them and say, “Oh I’m sorry, you must have misinterpreted our sign. You don’t give us a dollar, we give you the dollar”
Sports drink giveaway
Take a cooler full of drinks to the local t-ball/soccer/softball game and start handing them out.
Free ice cream! Give it away
It might be easiest if you buy some gift cards from the local ice cream parlor, but giving away free ice cream in this heat is as easy as giving away free ice cream in this heat.
Coffee shop gift cards
Everybody loves free stuff. A lot of people love coffee. Put them together and you’ve got a great way to make people’s day.
Give diapers to a new parent
Find a parent of a little one and you’ll have found a parent that’s buying a silly amount of diapers. Take them some diapers and you’ll bless them in a huge way.
Tip your server 30% or more
…and that’s just the start. If you really want to go 40 or even 50% we won’t tell.
Laundromat token giveaway
At most Laundromats the tokens are just quarters – so grab a roll of quarters and head to the Laundromat.
Gas Card giveaway
This is a good time to give away free or discounted gas.
Take your child’s art to a nursing home
“But I don’t have a kid” “My kid is 27” “My kids’ art is pretty rough” If this is you, maybe you ought to think about taking some flowers to the nursing home. They’ll like that too.
Compliment 5 people
Hebrews 3:13 tells us to do this anyway. Ask God to show you just how much He loves someone and then go start encouraging.
Find out 2 things about your server
They’re paid to be friendly. We’re called to be friendly. Get to know the people at your local restaurant.
Thank your local police
You can write a letter, put together a gift basket, or just stop by and tell them. Don’t be afraid to take this to the next level. Get creative.
Volunteer 3 hours somewhere
The local school, shelter, nursing home, you name it. Bless someone with your time and energy.
Write an encouraging note
Actually write something out by hand…on real paper. Remember paper?
Introduce yourself to a neighbor
If you already know everyone on your block, then take some brownies/tomatoes/flowers over and take it to the next level…friendship.
