I found it exciting to browse through the various sites offered on this blog that are known as holistic mission organizations… partly because I am at a point in which I am thinking about what to do after I graduate, and partly because I am genuinely interested to learn about how these different organizations implement their holistic goals.

One of the reasons social work is attractive to me is because it is a profession that seeks to assist people in a holistic way. (which is why we endure classes like A&P and human bio J) Really, when you think about it, we are very unlike other service oriented professions in that we desire to help people in emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual ways. We recognize that a person is made of many systems, and that all are connected together. If one system is hurting, probably another one needs some help too. Yes, we are complex beings, and yes, it is no easy task to treat a whole a person…but when did we ever hear social work was easy? I think that anything that is rewarding in life cannot be “easily” attained.

So…there is Word Made Flesh, Food for the Hungry, International Justice Mission (IJM), Church Resource Ministries (CRM), Opportunity International, and the list goes on. Each of these organizations are different in that some have a specific mission statement and others follow more broad guidelines, but all intend to assist, empower, walk alongside, and bring hope to people who are hurting. How are they hurting, you may ask? All different ways. The “walking alongside people” part of these organizations is crucial. You don’t know how people are hurting or how to help, unless you know the need and build a relationship. Of course it is not realistic to build lasting relationships with each person who comes into contact with the organization, but some type of exchange or connection is necessary for even a small change to take place.

The other day in one of our social work classes we were discussing how to define the poor. Are people “poor” in terms of their lack of material possessions, spiritual guidance, mental capacity, relationship…? Perhaps one may be poor in all of these areas. Well then, which area is to be addressed first, I wonder? I was quick to come to the conclusion that physical needs are of utmost importance and should be met first. However, one of my classmates suggested that maybe each need could be addressed as part of an integrated whole…as we (social workers and bringers of hope) have opportunity to connect with and build relationships with those we are assisting.

I like this idea – the idea of the holistic mission. It may not always be exactly realistic, but it is a quality concept nonetheless, and something to strive for, as we remember that our goal is to “treat”, or rather, empower, the whole person. Yes, a seemingly impossible endeavor it may sound, but one that will reap eternal benefits in the trying process.

So, whether we (sr. social work majors) participate in holistic mission organizations similar to the ones named above, or simply go another route and enter an entirely different field, we will keep with us the desire to genuinely and humbly help people in a holistic way…because each part is connected to the other, and each part is vitally significant to their/our being. I love our major, because whatever we end up “doing” in life, our social work skills can be used to give rise to that concept that we have all spoken of, and will one day participate in its finality…shalom.