August 16, 2025

Sabbath Meditation: "Born to Serve"

Hope Is Not Just a Feeling—It's a Call to Serve

In this photo, Sofonie Dala has just collected her food package from the city food bank at Vineyard Church.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:9–11 | Luke 11:11–13
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

"He who is not born to serve, does not deserve to live." — A powerful sentiment echoed in the life of Christ and His call for us to serve.

Happy Sabbath, my dear brothers and sisters,

My name is Sofonie Dala, and I come from Angola, Africa, now living in York, United Kingdom. I greet you today not just as an individual, but as a global citizen, a child of God, and a servant walking in His mercy.

From my early days in Angola, I found joy in serving others. I helped organize community kitchens to feed those in need, walked through rural villages to identify families struggling in silence, and participated in donation campaigns—offering whatever I could, sometimes money, sometimes time, always love.

Coming to the UK, my journey did not stop. Though far from home, service knows no borders. Life placed me in a situation where I too had to receive—visiting food banks, seeking help during difficult times. But even there, God made room for me to serve others, through volunteering, through kindness, and through sharing my own experiences with hope and dignity.

The Parable of the Loving Father

Jesus reminds us in the Gospels that even flawed human parents know how to give good gifts to their children. So how much more will our perfect Heavenly Father give to those who ask Him? He will not give a stone when we ask for bread. He will not give a snake when we plead for fish. He sees our needs and responds—not only through miracles, but through the hands of others: volunteers, donors, and those willing to be used as vessels of compassion.

This truth aligns beautifully with my experience: being served and serving others are not opposites—they are companions. We all need help sometimes. And we all can help, always.

To Serve Is to Live

As it is said:

"Whoever is not born to serve, does not deserve to live."

These are not just words—they are a spiritual call to action. Our lives are made meaningful by how we lift others, how we feed the hungry, how we clothe the naked, how we listen, pray, and walk with the suffering.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Aligned:

Your service, my service, and our shared humanity align with global goals to create a better, more compassionate world:

SDG 1: No Poverty – By supporting food banks and community kitchens, we stand against hunger and destitution.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Sharing meals ensures no one is left behind.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Nourishment is foundational to physical and mental well-being.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Serving across borders and social classes helps bridge the divide.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Volunteering and community action are key partnerships to reach global and spiritual progress.

July 12 – When Hope Becomes a Mission

Did you know the United Nations has officially declared July 12th as the International Day of Hope, beginning in 2025, to inspire global unity and service—echoing the message of Mark 10:45 and Matthew 20:28, where even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others?

This is for your inspiration!
1. "Serving Through Hope: A Global Call to Action"
2. "Hope in Action: United to Serve, Inspired to Change"
3. "From Faith to Future: Hope as a Path of Service"
4. "A Day to Hope, A Life to Serve"
5. "July 12 – When Hope Becomes a Mission"
6. "Hope That Serves: Living the Gospel in Global Unity"
7. "International Day of Hope: Answering the Call to Serve"
8. "One World, One Hope, One Purpose: To Serve"

May we continue to be hands that give and hearts that receive. May we never be ashamed to ask when in need, and never be too proud to bend low in service.

May the mercy of God be upon you all.
Happy Sabbath.

— Sofonie Dala