Jesus tells his disciples to be salt and light in society. "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:13-16). We aim to shine in a dark world by our spreading of the gospel message, in many different ways (see also the main Mission section). But actually in this passage Jesus is referring to our good deeds which others will see and thus come to worship God. In his own life Jesus went about doing good: healing and helping all kinds of needy people. The early church maintained a concern for the poor (see Galatians 2:10). So we, as we have opportunity, want to bring help to those in need.

Much of this may take place as individuals involved in employment which provides care for the needy, or in voluntary activities in the community. This voluntary work may include work with the young (toddler groups, playgroups, school PTAs or governing bodies), the elderly, the disabled, the terminally ill, visiting those in prison or their families, and much more. We would encourage all Christians to find some way in which they can be of help to others beyond their own circle of family and friends.

We also support organisations working to bring help to the needy in the UK and overseas.

• In Bedford, for example, we take an interest in the work of Christian Family Care providing support for victims of domestic violence and abuse, and the Langley House Trust providing accommodation for ex-offenders.
• In the UK we support the work of CARE (Christian Action, Research and Education) who provide a range of support services in the areas of Family, Education, and Life issues, and also campaign in areas of Social Justice.
• We support the work of the Christian Institute which exists to raise awareness on issues of moral and ethical concern in the UK.
• Abroad, in addition to the Christian Mission organisations we support who offer practical help alongside their mission work, we regularly support the work of TearFund, a development and relief charity who, with their partners overseas, work to bring help and hope to communities in need around the world.

In all this we remember the words of Jesus, that it is better to give than to receive. It is because we have received so much, by God’s grace, that we want to give help to others. As Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)