Service to others has always been an important part of Brethren belief and life. It is embodied in the practices of the church and in the lives of many members who seek to give the cup of cold water to a neighbor in need, as Jesus commanded.

So, how does the General Board serve others today? The Brethren Service Center, located in New Windsor, Md., is a major center of gathering and sending aid to all corners of the country and the world. Emergency Response/Service Ministries sends clothing, health kits, school supplies, and other necessary items as needs arise. An active disaster relief program dispatches teams of volunteers to help shattered communities rebuild: some to construct and repair homes and other buildings, some to take care of children, and some to care for other needs.

For more than 50 years, Brethren Volunteer Service has been training and sending dozens of volunteers to projects in many states and countries. Global Mission Partnerships shares God's Word in foreign countries and also aids economic and social development.

The Youth/Young Adult Office plans workcamps for junior and senior high youth and young adults each summer, with hundreds of young people giving time to practice service in a hands-on way. Faith Expeditions, coordinated by Brethren Witness, take groups to destinations within and beyond the United States to study, learn, and build relationships.

Through serving the people of the world, the ministries of the General Board seek to serve Jesus Christ.