My Ministry Through Doorknocking
The ADRA Appeal is more than a yearly church initiative—it’s a living expression of the compassion Christ calls us to embody. For me, it’s been a 36-year journey of faith, service, and deeply personal encounters—going door to door with a simple mission: to connect, uplift, and serve.
At its heart, the Seventh-day Adventist Church exists to proclaim the Three Angels' messages. But proclamation isn’t enough, we must live it. That means loving God and loving our neighbour in word and deed. Through the ADRA Appeal, members and friends can do just that. It's both spiritual and physical evangelism—bringing help to those in need and hope to those who feel forgotten.
“The good Lord will enable as we step out in faith to ingather.” 1 Timothy 1:12
Why ADRA?
ADRA is one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations—and in my opinion, the best. I say that as someone who has supported many other charities. Sadly, ADRA isn’t as widely known as it deserves to be. That’s partly because it doesn’t pour money into advertising—but also because not enough of us talk about it. We must do better.
When I knock on doors, I don’t just ask for donations, I share what ADRA does. I invite people to be part of something bigger. And I’ve seen hearts opened not just to ADRA, but to the gospel. Sometimes, a simple conversation turns into a moment of prayer, or a verse shared becomes a balm to someone’s soul.
Stories from the Doorstep
The Loyal Giver
A 93-year-old gentleman has donated $50 every year. One year, he wasn’t home, so I left a brochure. He later called to say he’d visit his daughter nearby and would bring the donation then—and he did. I always make their house the last of the afternoon because they welcome me in for a chat and a prayer. “And let us not grow weary while doing good…” (Galatians 6:9)
The Grandma Who Quit
A grandmother raising three grandchildren due to their mother’s illness welcomed my visit. The children asked about ADRA, and in the conversation, they mentioned Grandma smoked. I shared a story about someone who quit after I prayed, they’d find the taste unbearable. A month later, she quit—and told me she’d had bad taste in her mouth. Praise the Lord. The children now donate $5 each year.
Pain, Prayer, and Provision
Despite a pinched nerve in my neck, I stepped out one afternoon, praying for strength and provision. The first hour yielded just $18, but I prayed again and pressed on. The next three doors brought $20, $50, and $20—over $100 in total. All three donors were Christians. After sharing our beliefs and resting in God’s presence, I went straight home grateful.
The Grumbler
One man greets me with: “Is it that time of year again? Still no. Why don’t you give up?” I chuckle, “Maybe you’ve had a change of heart—or maybe someone more generous moved in.” We both laugh. Even rejection can be an opportunity for grace.
The Honest Worker
One woman said she told her husband to give a donation only if I came—because she trusted me. There were scammers in the area. It’s humbling to be recognised as someone worthy of that trust, especially when representing God and ADRA.
“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” Pauline R. Kezar, ADRA Calendar, Feb 2004
After 36 years of door knocking—with just one missed year due to COVID-19—I can say this: the ADRA Appeal must not lose its appeal. Put your best foot forward and go out in faith. God will honour your efforts.
And if you can’t go out this year—why not make a personal donation? Every act of kindness ripples outward.