In a world often marked by division, the simple act of serving others stands as a powerful bridge, fostering unity and understanding. Inspired by the Savior’s call to “love one another,” countless individuals are finding common ground and purpose through community service, often facilitated by innovative platforms like the JustServe app.
President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, wisely observed, “When we serve together, we realize that our similarities are stronger than our differences.” This profound truth resonates deeply with the growing movement of volunteers who leverage the JustServe app to make a tangible difference in their neighborhoods and beyond.
JustServe is a remarkable initiative, powered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, designed to connect volunteers from all walks of life with vetted organizations and meaningful service projects. Its mission is simple yet impactful: to alleviate burdens within communities by mobilizing добровольцы to address local needs.
Since its official launch in 2012, the JustServe app and platform have facilitated connections between hundreds of thousands of volunteers and over 100,000 diverse projects. These initiatives range in scale from large-scale mobilizations, such as the impressive Project Protect mask-sewing endeavor, to smaller, localized efforts requiring just a handful of helping hands.
Millions of volunteer hours have been generously contributed through JustServe, and this number continues to climb, demonstrating the enduring spirit of service even amidst global challenges.
President Ballard emphasizes the core objectives of JustServe as being both “simple and powerful”: easing suffering, providing aid to the poor and those in need, and enriching the overall quality of community life. He further explains that each act of service, whether by an individual, family, or group participating in a JustServe project, amplifies “the light of Jesus Christ throughout the world, allowing more and more people to feel of His love.”
Accessing these opportunities to serve is remarkably easy. Volunteers can explore projects and connect with organizations through the JustServe website, JustServe.org, or conveniently via the user-friendly JustServe app.
Service to Others: A Core Human Value
Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, in a compelling video about JustServe, highlights that caring for others is deeply ingrained in our nature as followers of Christ. This inherent desire to serve transcends boundaries, extending beyond family and faith communities. JustServe acts as an inspired mechanism for connecting individuals across various social, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds through shared acts of service.
Bishop Caussé emphasizes that JustServe is more than just a program or website; “It is a movement and a way that we can live our covenants.” It’s about putting faith into action and embodying the principles of compassion and neighborly love.
Relief Society General President Jean B. Bingham describes JustServe.org as an “inspired” resource, especially pertinent in challenging times. “Perhaps now, more than ever, there is a need for good people of all faiths to come together to strengthen our communities,” she states, underscoring the unifying power of service facilitated by the JustServe app.
President Ballard acknowledges that dedicated members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are already actively engaged in service within their congregations. However, he points out the unique blessings that arise when individuals extend their service beyond their immediate Church circles, particularly to those they may not know. “When members engage in service outside of the Church and reach out to their own communities, the blessings will follow,” he assures.
The seeds of JustServe were sown in 2006 when, as chairman of the Church’s Missionary Executive Committee, then-Elder Ballard, alongside Elder Richard J. Maynes and others, recognized a valuable opportunity. They sought to empower missionaries to serve their communities during less structured times of the day when traditional missionary work was less frequent. Missionaries possessed a strong desire to serve, but lacked readily available avenues to do so.
“JustServe was the key for missionaries to find service opportunities in their assigned communities,” explains Elder Maynes.
Elder William and Sister Sidney Price, called as Church service missionaries in 2011, played a pivotal role in developing the online JustServe initiative. By early 2012, a pilot program was launched in the California San Jose Mission, quickly expanding to numerous other missions.
From its inception, JustServe has maintained a clear focus on service itself, never intended as a tool for proselytizing. “It’s service for the sake of service,” emphasizes Elder Maynes. “It’s an opportunity to build relationships,” fostering genuine connections through shared effort.
The benefits of JustServe extended beyond the immediate impact of service projects. Mission presidents observed a decrease in homesickness and other challenges among missionaries. Both those receiving and providing service experienced profound blessings and personal growth.
Elder Jeremy Jaggi and his wife, Sister Amy Jaggi, witnessed firsthand the unifying effect of JustServe while living in California. When Elder Jaggi was called to preside over the Utah Ogden Mission in 2015, he readily embraced JustServe, encouraging missionaries to engage with the community and Church members in service projects.
Sister Jaggi enthusiastically notes that JustServe provided Ogden missionaries with invaluable opportunities to connect with the community through Christ-like service. “The fastest way to warm up a community,” she affirms, “is to jump in and serve.”
Service is a cornerstone of the Church’s worldwide Children and Youth program, and JustServe provides an invaluable resource for these efforts, according to Elder Lynn G. Robbins, chairman of the JustServe Steering Committee. “It brings so many opportunities for youth to serve in their communities,” he explains. Young people in various locations have even initiated “JustServe clubs” within their schools, further amplifying the reach and impact of youth volunteerism.
Elder Maynes also suggests that young single adults seeking meaningful dating experiences should consider JustServe. “Why not go on a JustServe date,” he proposes, “and get to know one another by serving together?” Shared service provides a unique and rewarding way to connect.
Unleashing the Boundless Potential of JustServe
As JustServe approaches its tenth anniversary, many community leaders and even some local Church leaders are still discovering its potential. Heath Bradley, JustServe global manager, highlights, “We have over 10,000 community organizations that are accessing JustServe to meet their needs, specifically looking for help with your volunteer organizations.”
People often feel an innate desire to care for others, but may lack direction on how to begin. Accessing JustServe.org or utilizing the JustServe app to find local volunteer projects offers a straightforward and impactful starting point.
Elder and Sister Price share stories of individuals on both sides of service projects expressing profound gratitude and emotion when recounting their JustServe experiences. They initially wondered how the pandemic might affect interest in JustServe.
“We even worried it might go dormant for a time,” Elder Price admits. “But instead, people have discovered thousands of ways to work from home and engage their children in meaningful service.”
Sister Price adds that witnessing lives being touched and blessed through each new JustServe project is deeply rewarding.
Elder Robbins emphasizes that JustServe “is softening hearts.” This transformative impact is expected to grow as the Christ-centered initiative expands its reach globally in the years to come. “JustServe is expanding into other countries,” he confirms. “And it will continue to be the Church’s foremost community-outreach initiative.”
President Ballard expresses his appreciation for the positive impact JustServe has already made. However, he remains focused on the future, recognizing the vast potential yet to be unlocked. “JustServe has become a blessing everywhere it has been adopted,” he concludes. “It is a blessing to those who receive the service. It is a blessing to those who give service. It is bonding missionaries and members and their communities.”
Embrace the opportunity to serve and connect with your community. Download the JustServe app today and discover the fulfilling power of giving back.
