“Until we break away from a preoccupation with our own despair by reaching out from it to help others, we will not fully experience the richest dimensions and meaning of spiritual growth. Nestled in community is where we find strength for God’s endurance. This type of community is found only in that degree to which we are willing to move beyond ourselves to consider the needs of others. . . Ultimately, when we participate in helping others in community, we will receive support for our own spiritual growth.”
John Wimmer, program director in the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment Inc. and an ordained United Methodist Elder, in Blessed Endurance: Moving Beyond Despair to Hope