Start small.
Begin by knocking on doors in your community and talking with people on a weekly basis.
At first they may be hesitant to say much. They may even find it inconvenient or a chore to come to the door to speak with you.
Be diligent. Eventually as people open up and begin to share what is actually happening in their life; you will begin to notice similarities in these conversations on what the people in your community actually need.
You don't need to ask them anymore how you can help. Now you can actually start helping people by bring something of substance.
You are now contributing something that actually matters.
