Implementation of a Christ-Centered Voluntary Mentoring Program for Waste Pickers in South Tangerang Based on 2 Corinthians 8:1–15

Abstract

The scavenger community in South Tangerang is a marginalized community group facing various social and economic challenges, such as poverty, limited access to education, income uncertainty, and low hope and a lack of meaning in life. These conditions not only impact their economic well-being but also their psychological well-being, social relationships, and spirituality. Therefore, a mentoring approach is needed that focuses not only on material assistance but also touches on the relational and spiritual dimensions as a whole. This community service aims to implement a volunteer mentoring program based on Christ's love, with the theological foundation of 2 Corinthians 8:1–15 as a holistic model of community empowerment. The method used is a participatory approach through field observation, simple interviews, small group discussions, contextual spiritual development, and motivational activities and group prayer. The mentoring program is implemented periodically, emphasizing the values ​​of generosity, solidarity, empathy, and equality as taught in the text. The results of the activities show positive changes in the participants, including an increased zest for life, growing spiritual awareness, and the formation of stronger social relationships among members of the scavenger community. This mentoring not only strengthens faith but also helps participants restore hope and rediscover the meaning of their lives. Thus, this program demonstrates that a mentoring approach based on Christ's love can be a contextual and transformative empowerment strategy for marginalized communities.