A Missions lifegroup from Harvest Time Church recently had the opportunity to serve at Westcop Oasis Shelter, a local organization that supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This event was part of our ongoing effort to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our local community, and it was a meaningful chance to serve those in need in a very tangible way.
Although I wasn’t able to attend in person for this specific outreach event because I was in college, I was still able to support the team by creating a social media recap that told the story and highlighted the heart behind the mission. Volunteers at the event packaged and served food to the shelter residents, with the goal of providing not just a meal, but a sense of dignity, warmth, and care.
The Missions Committee wanted to share what happened that day and encourage others in our church community to get involved with similar service opportunities. I created a social media carousel post using Adobe Photoshop, working with photos provided by a volunteer who was there on site. My goal was to design something that felt informative, encouraging but also simple.
For the design, I kept things clear, using the white and blue brand colors. I wanted the message to be accessible, inspiring, and consistent with what we have posted in the past.
Even though I wasn’t physically present, being able to tell the story visually and creatively was incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to more chances to support the missions committee and outreach through design and storytelling in the future.
Working on this project reminded me that support can come in many forms, and even when you can’t be there in person, your contribution can still matter deeply. The social media post wasn’t just about promoting an event, but it was about reflecting God’s love in action, sharing the impact made that day, and hopefully inspiring others to take part in future outreaches.
I spent time carefully selecting which photos to include, making sure the layout felt simple but also aesthetically pleasing and appealing. I also considered tone in this project, and how could I visually represent compassion and care without overwhelming the viewer with too much information or too many design elements. Figuring out that balance helped me grow not only as a designer but as a communicator.
This experience showed me that storytelling through design can be a powerful tool in ministry. When done thoughtfully, it can connect people to the mission in a meaningful way and highlight the quiet, beautiful moments that might otherwise go unseen. It was an opportunity to use and practice my skills in a way that aligned with my faith and values.
As I continue supporting outreach and missions digitally, I hope to keep refining this craft and using it to uplift, inform, and bring others into the incredible work God is doing through our church. I am excited to do more with graphic design and social media management in similar events in the future!