
When Ruth returns from Moab to Bethlahem with Naomi, she goes out to glean in the fields (Ruth 2:1-8). For two women with no husbands or sons, this was the only way they could get food, short of prostitution. God had made a law allowing the poor to glean from the fields of others. Not all the landowners followed this very closely though.
Ruth finds herself gleaning in a field belonging to a man named Boaz, who was related to Naomi's late husband. When Boaz learns that his kinsman’s widow is in need, he immediately acts to meet that need. Boaz tells her not to bother going to any other field to glean. He ensures Ruth that she is welcome and ought to think of herself as one who truly belongs there, and gives her a place among his people.
This is the kind of missions we need to get involved with as a Church. So often we look to find some organization that is giving to some huge and worthy cause, mostly because we can’t figure out how else to serve others. Yet we often overlook the needs of those close to us, in our own communities. Boaz returned to Bethlehem and immediately noticed the circumstances of someone nearby and enquires to find out what it is exactly that she needs and he meets that need, making her feel welcome and elevating her status, doing all he can to make her feel comfortable and reassured in spite of her humble circumstances. She feels accepted and embraced.