 |
| My friend Dave at Family Camp |
 |
| 2011 Memorial Day Community Picnic |
We were members of a small church in a quaint little village near our home in northern Michigan. We worshiped there, served there and grew close to the Lord there. The pastor of the church taught out of the Scriptures on obedience, discipleship, prayer and most importantly love for others. Not wishy-washy love like you see in movies, but real love- the kind that makes you say "no" to your kid when she wants to do something that you know will cause her harm or is not good for her even though you know she'll throw the tantrum of a lifetime. Love that gives you the strength to fight and battle your way through the most difficult and trying circumstances that arise in your marriage. Love that flows out of your inner-most being, causing you to care for other people and be there and pray for them in their times of need. Love that leads you to share Jesus with others because you know that it's the most important thing a person can have. Jesus said that this kind of love will let people know that we are his disciples:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"- John 13:34-35.
 |
| My friend Lee at the Memorial Day Picnic |
 |
Dave and others listening to the
pastor's message at Family Camp |
As we learned about loving and caring for those in need, the church began getting involved in homeless ministry, in an incredible way. One day out of the blue, while working in the yard, the pastor and his wife met a homeless man walking down the road in front of their house. That's not that incredible in itself, but when you consider that they live on the outskirts of a small village, where there is really nothing but a few small businesses surrounded by lakes and forests, it is pretty incredible. He was miles from the city and from the homeless community. What would he be doing way out here? The pastor and his wife figured that God had sent the man to them; to speak to them, to show them something. The pastor and his wife got to know the man and through him, learned of some of the needs of the homeless in the area. They also learned that there is a huge number of homeless people in this area. The man informed them of a place in town through a church where the homeless could come and get out of the weather, do laundry, shower and use the internet. This house was instrumental for us because it offered a place for us to meet some of the homeless people in the area.
 |
| 2011 Memorial Day Community Picnic |
As relationships were formed, some of us in the church felt an increasing desire to do something to help and to love these people with the love of Christ. We just didn't know what that looked like. Our church was miles from the city where most of these people lived. We continued praying about it and finally the Lord placed an idea upon the pastor's heart. Rather than trying to get the people out to the church, which would be a huge task, we would go to them. He had found out that although there are many places around town that offer free meals to the homeless, none offered a free meal on Sundays. We would have Sunday afternoon picnics where we could meet new people, strengthen existing relationships and incorporate some worship songs and a short Biblical message. It would be kind of like an open-air church service, only held in a city park and with food. The food was the means by which to get the people to come. From there, we would share the love of Christ with them, encourage them and show them that they are valued in life. Many of them have been through severe trauma in their lives and suffer from depression and have a great sense of low self worth. I always left the picnics feeling blessed by the people and the new relationships that were being formed. I realized that spending time with and getting to know them was probably more of a blessing for me than it was for them. I was excited and thankful to be a part of something so meaningful and worthwhile. I had joy in my life that could only come from serving the Lord.
To step into another person's life is an honor and a privilege. It is what we as followers of Jesus are called to do. Somehow, some way, we are to reach out and show the love of Jesus to those in need around us. I read in Francis Chan's book,
Crazy Love, that
we should not need to pray about reaching out and loving others. Loving others is an act of obedience to God that is written all throughout Scripture and is what we were created for. So, just do it. God would never tell us not to love another person. I would suggest, asking for the Spirit's guidance to show you who and how to love and to empower you to love because we need God's love and strength in order to effectively love others. But if you just look around, you'll see the need everywhere. Everyone is in need of love- and in need of Jesus.
The Challenge
I challenge you to step out in faith, perhaps beyond your comfort zone, and show someone the love of Jesus.
- Who do you know that is in need? How can you reach out to them with the love of Jesus?
- Is your heart burdened for the lost people of this world, whether in your town or on the other side of the world? There are probably great ministries through your church or in your area and there are great organizations on this site that that you can get involved with and support.
- Do you feel dead in your faith and in need of a spiritual resurrection? Do you feel empty? Serving others will bring healing to your own soul by filling you with the joy that comes from loving and serving God and others.
Helpful Resources
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
"And Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" John 20:21-22
No comments:
Post a Comment