Our desire at Link2Hope is that the platform become a point of connection for new friendships. Many that we serve may be isolated with no close family or friends in the area.  They may be struggling with a sense of hopelessness due to some hard times.  As a volunteer in Link2Hope, we pray that you will be a light of hope in their day, a smiling and kinds face to restores their hope in others, and in God. 

We know it’s a bit daunting to put yourself out there to meet someone new who may be living in very different circumstances. We’ve put together a few tips to help you as you make those first connections with a new friend. 

1. Pray – From the very beginning begin to pray for the person you want to build a relationship with. Ask God to guide you and give you His grace and wisdom. Offer to pray with them and ask how you can be praying for them – and do so!
2. Honor your commitments. When you commit to help another, keep your word and don’t make promises you cannot keep.  This may mean writing it on your calendar or asking for a reminder by text or phone call.  Set aside a time when you know you won’t have other conflicts.  
3. Communicate clearly about what you have or have not committed to. By expressing clearly your expectations you are making sure that the message you intend to send is clearly received.  Clear communication builds trust.  If you offer to help someone with a repair, for example, make it clear who is providing the materials for that repair. Don’t wait until you get there and find out there was a miscommunication, causing tempers to flare. If making repairs to a property verify whether they are the homeowner and not a renter.
4. It takes time to build a relationship of trust, and it takes grace. Take small steps with small commitments.  Expect small setbacks but continue to reach out with kindness. Keep in mind different backgrounds and experiences can cause misunderstandings too.  Read Below the Surface to learn more.
5. Make commitments and decisions carefully. Before committing, think it through.  Have the courage to say ‘no’ if you have too much on your plate.  Many of us have a big heart and really want to help, but we need to be honest with ourselves about our availability and resources.
6. Be a participant in the relationship. Remember good relationships are a 2-way street! Listen actively.  Be honest about your own life and struggles. Share your feelings too!  Being open shows you care and builds trust. You may be blessed by your new friend’s wisdom and care for you as well!
7. Be authentic in your kindness, expecting nothing in return but be appreciative and accepting of their kindness.  We all have unique gifts and abilities.  Reciprocal exchanges of kindness build dignity and trust.  When you go to their home to help them, take time for a cup of coffee and cookie or two.
8. Stick to your values and do what you believe is right. If asked to do something that goes against your values, be honest and graciously explain why you can’t do that.  Your honesty will be appreciated. Perhaps offer helpful ideas on how to reach the same goal in a different way.
9. Ask for forgiveness if you make a mistake along the and find ways to make it right. Whether it’s a last-minute schedule change, carelessness, or just forgetfulness, a mistake confessed and corrected builds more relational trust than never making any mistakes.

Read more at “10 Ways to Build Trust in a Relationship”

As a volunteer in Link2Hope, we pray that you will be a light of hope in their day, a smiling and kinds face to restores their hope in others, and in God.