That very week, Jacob decided to act on that nudge. He signed up to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, a service project run by his church. Though he had no idea how he could contribute, the idea of helping people in need felt like a small step toward fulfilling the challenge he had heard that Sunday.

The response was overwhelming. Members prayed for him, offered words of encouragement, and shared their own stories of overcoming similar challenges. This support helped David realize he wasn’t alone.

Jacob’s first day at the soup kitchen was filled with hesitation. He wasn’t sure what to expect or how he could make a meaningful impact. When he arrived, the environment was bustling with activity. Volunteers were serving food, cleaning, and talking with guests. He was assigned to a position where he would serve food and interact with the people coming in for meals.

The moment Jacob walked into the kitchen, he was met with warmth and hospitality from the other volunteers. They didn’t treat him as a newcomer but as someone they were glad to have on the team. He felt a sense of belonging almost immediately, even though he was uncertain of his role.

One of the first people Jacob met was a man named Daniel. Daniel was in his late thirties and had faced numerous challenges in life. He had lost his job and, eventually, his family due to struggles with substance abuse. Despite his hardships, Daniel was incredibly gracious, offering a genuine thank you for the meal Jacob had just served him. There was something about Daniel’s kindness that stood out to Jacob—he had nothing to offer, yet he exuded a spirit of gratitude.

Over time, Jacob’s initial apprehension faded, replaced by a deep sense of fulfillment. The more he volunteered, the more he realized that serving wasn’t just about meeting physical needs—it was about building connections with people, seeing their humanity, and recognizing the opportunity to share God's love. Jacob began to learn the importance of being present in people’s lives and that each individual had a unique story, complete with struggles, triumphs, and dreams.

Through his consistent involvement at the soup kitchen, Jacob became more attuned to the emotional and spiritual needs of the people he served. He learned that many of the guests weren’t just seeking a hot meal but a sense of community, a reminder that they mattered. The simple act of listening to their stories became just as important as feeding their bodies.

Additionally, Jacob began helping with youth ministry at his church. At first, he was uncertain whether he would be able to relate to teenagers, but he decided to give it a try. Much to his surprise, Jacob found immense joy in mentoring the young people. He shared his own life experiences, struggles, and spiritual journey, offering guidance and encouragement to help them navigate their own paths of faith. Over time, Jacob realized that this was another aspect of his service to God—investing in the next generation..

Months passed, and Jacob developed deeper relationships with the people at the soup kitchen. One day, as he was serving food, Daniel approached him with a powerful statement that left Jacob speechless. “You showed me God’s love when I thought I didn’t deserve it,” Daniel said, his voice filled with emotion. “The consistency of the volunteers, your kindness, and the love you all showed me when I was at my lowest made me believe in a new beginning. It made me want to change."