One Sabbath afternoon last fall, a motivated youth group from the Hinsdale (Illinois) Church set out to help make a difference. A team of approximately ten teenagers decided they wanted to reach out to those in need who are living in the inner city of Chicago. They decided to volunteer their time at the Interfaith House, located on the west side of the city.

The Interfaith House is the only shelter in Chicago dedicated to providing comprehensive respite care to ill and injured homeless adults. The organization's aim is: “Restoring Health, Rebuilding Lives.” Many adults who cannot care for themselves turn to Interfaith House for help. It is a place where they can stay for a while and be fed and cared for until they are able to get back “on their feet.”

Kenneth Parker, Hinsdale’s pastor for children and youth, made a few phone calls and asked what the youth could do to help. Interfaith House leaders informed him they needed groups to come in and cook for their residents. The idea appealed to the teenagers. So they planned their menus. One of the meals served was haystacks—an old favorite in the homes of many Adventists. Each member of the group brought some of the ingredients needed. After church was over, they loaded the van with the food and headed off into the city.

The Interfaith House has been very welcoming and grateful for the Hinsdale group. The first time they volunteered, the kitchen staff was right there to help them learn their way around. Now the group feels comfortable enough to do everything themselves. While part of the group works in the kitchen preparing the meal, the others visit with residents in the lobby. Many are lonely and cannot wait to recuperate so they may be independent again. Some have also had difficult lives and have lost touch with their church or faith.

The Hinsdale youth are grateful to assist in a mission field that’s right in their “backyard." They have discovered that there is much joy in being a blessing to others.

Angie Grozdic is a member of the Hinsdale Church.