Welcome to the directory of service opportunities! There are three primary categories included in this directory:
- ‘Services Needed’ is a list of specific services that individuals or organizations have requested. These are primarily opportunities for service using talents and time.
- ‘Organized Service’ is a list of formalized charitable and service-oriented organizations and projects that are founded and managed by Church of God groups and individuals – great for if you want to help through organized fundraising and service!
- ‘Fundraisers and Meal Plans’ is a list of fundraisers and meal plans for individuals in troubling circumstances. These are primarily opportunities to serve with financial resources, however in some cases a homemade meal for someone in your area may be an option.
As a disclaimer, we are aware that sometimes there are requests for help, especially financial, that are not entirely legitimate. While Church of God Network is not responsible for the validity of requests listed on Within Your Gates, we strive to verify the integrity and honesty of requests that are received.
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40, NKJV)
Founder/manager: Victor Kubik
Website: https://lifenets.org/
From the ‘About Us’ page…
Bringing precious water to parched remote rural communities. Serving children with disabilities in the Chernobyl region. Providing life-changing scholarships in poverty-stricken areas. Building shelters and bringing internet connectivity to remote rural areas. These and many more highly targeted services represent typical activities of LifeNets International for more than 20 years. As a result of its unique focus – relieving suffering and generating hope through opportunities to become self-sufficient – the organization has had the privilege to help thousands of people.
Founder/manager: Church of God, A Worldwide Association
Website: https://foundationoutreachintl.org/
From the ‘About Us’ page…
The Board of FOI has a long history of managing humanitarian projects in different parts of the world, from the Middle East to Asia to the Philippines to Latin America to the Caribbean and throughout Africa. We target a diverse group of global humanitarian and youth leadership educational programs.
Founder/manager: United Church of God
Website: https://www.ucg.org/members/outreach/good-works
From the Good Works donation page…
The “Good Works Program” is intended to provide an organized way for brethren to help others in the Church who face unusual, emergency situations that could not be anticipated or budgeted for. The intent of the program is to make these situations known to the Church, and to coordinate the distribution of funds that are raised by congregations or groups in fund-raising efforts.
Organizer: Rachel Boykin
Benefiting party: Jacquelyn Boykin
Link to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/medical-expenses-for-jacquelyn-boykin
From the GoFundMe page…
In the middle of August 2022, my family and I learned the heartbreaking news that my sister Jacquelyn Boykin had been diagnosed with breast cancer. After diagnosis, she underwent several scans, which showed that her liver had been affected by the malignancy. Jacquelyn is currently receiving hormone-blocking medication in addition to chemotherapy to slow and stop the growth of cancer cells in her body. We pray that our heavenly Father will intercede for Jacquelyn and provide the strength, guidance, mercy, and ultimate, complete healing that she needs to get through this difficult trial. My goal is to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with her continuing medical care and treatment, as her insurance coverage is very limited. Thank you in anticipation for your time and consideration in contributing and for remembering Jacquelyn in your prayers.
Jacquelyn is 33 years old and works as a server at the Rustic Roots restaurant in Bunn, NC. She enjoys being outside and spending time with her friends and family. If you have the chance, please visit her at Rustic Roots for a delicious farm-to-table meal and a friendly and exciting dining experience.
Organizer: Natasha Bright-Wight
Benefiting party: Thea Jackson and family
Link to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-jackson-family-funeral-memorial-and-family
From the GoFundMe page…
I have a family that needs help! We have known JD and Thea for ten years and she has given me permission to post this and start a go fund me! Tonight JD had his second heart attack and didn’t make it! They have three young children but Thea has always been a stay at home mom and has no job. JD always paid the bills and they need help! I am hoping that we can pull together to help her and the kids get enough to pay off the house of $160,000 and have funeral expenses, memorial, and extra until she can figure how to, now, get a job and still take care of the kids on her own! Let’s show them love!
Organizer: Jhoefil Bacaro
Benefiting party: Adriana “Heart” Bacaro
Link to support: https://gogetfunding.com/voice-of-a-brave-heart/
From the GoGetFunding page…
My 14-year old daughter was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer.
Two years ago, we noticed that her thyroid was growing bigger and we suspected that it was Goiter. But then it grew bigger — faster than we expected–so we decided to see a doctor.
We had her tested as was the advice of her doctor, she was rushed to have the operation for the total removal of her thyroid because the other side is showing the same symptoms.
Thankfully, the operation was a success. She slowly gained back her voice. However, the hospital ran more tests and a biopsy of the thyroid.
A few days later, got the results and the doctor called us.
When we first heard this terrifying news, it is like my heart was torn apart. The test concluded it was cancer.
My daughter is so young and there is so much more ahead of her but I can’t just let this illness defeat the future of my daughter.
…
I know this trial was nothing compared to what was happening to the world right now, but this a battle that we need to face as a family. Yes, I can’t do it alone as I am lacking in many things, but I believe in the Great Healer and Provider that nothing is impossible.
Please help us defeat this disease and make the future of Heart possible.
Remember us in your prayers.
Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart…
Jhoefil Bacaro
(Additional details available on the GoGetFunding page)
Organizers: Tamara Cartwright and Diana Irion
Benefiting party: Naomi Irion
Link to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-find-naomi
From the GoFundMe page…
Naomi is no longer with us and her death is being investigated as a homicide. If you can help the family with end of life expenses, travel expenses, living expenses while on FMLA, anything would be appreciated.
Organizer: Rebekah Rydholm
Benefiting party: The Fletcher family
Link to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dan-fletcher-family-fund
From the GoFundMe page…
We are raising funds to help relieve a small portion of the heavy burden of a dearly-loved family in our local Church congregation. That burden includes recent medical expenses, current memorial expenses, and upcoming transitional living expenses necessary following the December 2, 2021 death of Dan Fletcher. Dan leaves behind his severely disabled wife, Carol, and his three adult children, Dana, Jamie, and Hana.
After experiencing a brain aneurysm and stroke in 2017, Carol suffers extensive disabilities, including extremely limited speaking, and significant inability to walk, to feed herself, or to take care of her daily needs.
…
The Fletcher family asks us to share with you that they do not wish anyone to feel any sort of obligation to contribute anything toward their needs; however, every donation will be gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated.
GoFundMe collects 2.9% + $0.30 per donation. The remainder of your donation will go directly to the Fletcher family.
(See the GoFundMe page for the full story)
Organizer: Martha Gilley
Benefiting party: Scott Familetti and his family
Link to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/scott-familetti
From the GoFundMe page…
The Familetti family has had a very difficult few weeks. Scott was admitted to the hospital with COVID Pneumonia on August 7th. They quickly transferred him 1.5 hours away to La Crosse, WI. After just 2 days, he was placed on a ventilator. Five days later, he was still under limited sedation, and still on the ventilator, but he was cogent and able to respond to questions from his doctors and nurses. We’re hoping that Scott’s condition will continue to improve to the point of his release from ICU and subsequently from the hospital in the coming days. However, even after his release, he’s going to face an uphill climb to a full recovery. Being confined to a hospital bed for more than a week with no muscle movement will require some physical therapy, and there is concern about any damage that might have occurred to his lungs, which will take time to heal.
We’re starting this GoFundMe for Scott and his family for a few reasons. Scott’s job is the primary source of income for the family, and it will likely be many weeks before he’s strong enough to return to work. Additionally, while the family has good health insurance that will cover most of the costs, there are likely to be some hefty medical bills as a result of his hospitalization. The proceeds from this GoFundMe account will be used to support the family during Scott’s recovery, and to pay the family’s portion of the medical bills not covered by insurance. We wish to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and for helping the family through what could have otherwise be a very stressful financial time.