A ccording to Charity Navigator, “Com- munity development charities promote economic growth and stability through programs that increase access to affordable hous- ing, stimulate our communities, and enhance our public and private institutions.” In fact, they classify four types of charities as community- development charities: United Ways, Jewish Federations, Community Foundations, and Housing and Neighborhood Development. Missions might not fit into this definition exactly, but it doesn’t necessarily matter where we are classified. What does matter is the impact that we have. We can make a difference, and are making a difference, to those without a home and to those who are economically challenged in other ways. It’s really about making our communities more accessible and bettering our neighborhoods. I fear that many of us have become so insular that we are micromanaging our mandate down to the smallest denominator. With big-picture thinking, we can warm up to the idea that with the start of spring comes a new opportunity to think like the Apostle Paul when he claimed: Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, non- religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized— whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God- saved life (1 Corinthians 9:19–23, MSG) We are free to do as we please, under our board’s vision, of course. But what about opening your mind to the unexpected possibilities that are just niggling at the back of your brain? For us, that meant when we opened our thrift store, we would partner with charities that work with adults with disabilities to be a job-readiness and life-and-social-skills center. We are in the process of raising money to hire what we will call a “life coach.” Who knew that the community would get so excited about this idea, and even the “life coach” title? It’s laughable, because what seemed like a “simple” or “maybe” idea has caught on. And not only that, the other charities are thrilled with the opportunity to give their clients a new way to thrive. It’s time for a fresh start to increase our effective- ness in sharing the gospel of hope. Remember, that little voice in the back of your head or that tug at your heart could very well be the Holy Spirit.  56 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2019 DAY­TO­DAY Thoughts for the Common Good Opening your mind and heart to unexpected possibilities in your community ACROSS THE STREET Michelle Porter Michelle is founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina, Saskatchewan, and Hali­ fax, Nova Scotia, where she currently resides. She serves as vice president of Citygate Net­ work’s Northern Lights District. Find her on twitter at www. twitter.com/missionmusings.