Sirens blared as my family and I huddled in our basement. The electricity flickered and snapped off. Outside, tornado winds raced through our neighborhood, uprooting trees, folding trampolines in half like tacos, and scattering debris everywhere.

When we finally ventured out, everyone was ok, but the damage was widespread. The thought of cleaning up was overwhelming until we started working together and shouldering the load.

Neighbors shared generators and chain saws and helped wherever needed. The phrase “Many hands make light work” resonated with our neighborhood just like it might have when the Jews rebuilt the Jerusalem wall.

Centuries earlier, the Babylonians burned the city, and Nehemiah wanted to restore the wall. A daunting task for one person, but for a group of Jews focused on the task, it was possible.

Opposition came. Enemies threatened, so the people worked with a sword in one hand and a hammer in the other. Foreigners taunted, but Nehemiah encouraged them in the Lord and stationed each family close to his home.

Fifty-two days later, the wall was complete (Nehemiah 6:15).

As global workers, we face challenging situations too, and it can be tempting to quit, especially if you are alone. But if we have a community of people who support and stand with us, we are more likely to persevere.

But what if we don’t have a community? How can we form one?

Pray and ask the Lord to bring the right people.

Be intentional. Invite your neighbor out for coffee. Connect online with another global worker or a friend from your home church. Remember, community isn’t limited by geography.

Use your talent. God created us all different, so look for ways to use your talent to help others. Volunteer at a school, library, or local ladies' group. Bake cookies for a shut-in or busy mom.

Communities look different but are needed by everyone. Neighbors cleaning up a mess, Jews repairing a wall, or a group of global workers loving Jesus.

They are woven together by a common goal and people connecting with others. May the Lord surround you with the community you need.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10