This week, I (Alisha) experienced a beautiful congruence of faith and action. Christ’s gospel encouragement to share is emphatically celebrated through the New Testament, and I had the privilege of engaging that theme both theoretically and in practice in a matter of days. Here are  five encounters, plus the questions the Holy Spirit put on my heart after each encounter, nudging me deeper into a lifestyle of impassioned resource-sharing and compassionate accompaniment.

1. Life groups  

Around our firepit, in the backyard of a rare urban farm in downtown Phoenix, our Life Group meets twice a month to unpack the big ideas and pray for big revelations (and sometimes revolutions). We’re currently engaged in the topic of contemporary Anabaptism, and the latest book by Stuart Murray Williams is framing our conversation. The Thursday night fireside debate soon turned to the topics of mutual aid and economic discipleship. We spent time encouraging one another to look for opportunities in our community of disciples to support each other in discovering Jesus’ teachings to develop countercultural reflexes and strategies. 

Question: In a world where the government aid and grants that support basic human health and services are being labeled as “wasteful spending” and slashed, how can we step in and fill the void?

2. Mutual aid 

Out of that Life Group meeting, we celebrated the fact that we’re stronger together than apart, and a local WhatsApp group called “Mutual Aid” was born. It was inspired by an initiative called Neighbor2Neighbor, facilitated by Trinity Mennonite Church. Neighbor2Neighbor is a community-needs notification system. Attendees can send a service request for a neighbor in need (for example, moving help or a bicycle fix). The request goes out as a text message alert to dozens of volunteers who have signed up to be available to respond. 

Question: In a world that is increasingly isolated and where individualism is celebrated, how can we choose to connect and respond when help is needed? 

3. How many tables did Jesus flip?   

At a keynote session for borderlands community leaders during the Southwest Regional Gathering of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), I was struck at the shared season of lament we seem to be in. Speaker Caleb Campbell asked the question: “How many tables did Jesus flip in the gospels?” Looking around, folks agreed on one, perhaps two. Campbell then followed up with, “And how many did he set?” Christ spent hours at the table extending a holy, reconciling hospitality to both friend and foe. When so many good people are desperate for hope as the communities we serve are crushed under oppressive heels, it feels easy to allow the rage to take over. 

Question: In a time of deep division, how can we, as followers of Christ, extend grace and hospitality to reconcile relationships across a table, rather than giving in to the urge to flip it?

4. Really Really Free Market  

On Saturday morning, armed with oven-warm chocolate chip cookies, crafts and bags of gently used clothes and home decor, my family headed to the Really Really Free Market (RRFM). This bi-monthly event allows neighbors and community members to share goods, services and encouragement without any cost. Whether it’s someone offering a sewing service, passing out homemade treats, or non-profits giving out pet food, period supplies and harm-reduction resources, there’s an overwhelming spirit of generosity. I’m fortunate to lead a bilingual story hour and craft session for kids so caregivers can “shop without shame,” knowing their children are cared for.

Question: In a world where consumerism and impatience are on the rise, how can we, as bearers of hope, choose to live counterculturally by sharing our belongings (and ourselves) to build a better way?

5. Neighborhood Ministries 

Looking ahead to my work as Pastor of Rising Generations at Neighborhood Ministries, I’m anxious about returning to campus on Monday. The generosity I’ve felt this week may fade quickly in the face of the challenges ahead. Nonprofits are struggling, the spirit of volunteerism is dwindling and donations are down. Faith-based organizations are under increasing scrutiny, even when they demonstrate transparency and ethical practices. The population Neighborhood Ministries serves is under attack, and no amount of extra effort will solve its deep struggles. I pray for safety and comfort, which are in short supply.

Question: In a time when those trying to do good feel overwhelmed, how long must we wait for help to arrive and pull us from the depths?

Finally, I challenge you, dear reader: when it comes to your excess — whether it’s things like experience, time or love— hold on loosely. But when it comes to relationships and those who need you most, especially in these desperate times, don’t let go.