Last week after reading Pastor Christian’s note about Haiti, we invited him to help with Angel Food Ministries at the Shiloh Methodist church. We began helping with this ministry when it began a couple of years ago. When we started helping with it, we thought being involved was a “good thing to do to help others in need”. It is a win-win situation; we get food at a reduced cost, and we help others at the same time. When we order a box of food, it counts toward getting a “free” box of food to give away to someone in need. Any food we won’t use, we put in a box to be donated to the food pantry. We thought the kids would enjoy being involved in this ministry. We want them to learn that helping others is a privilege as well as a responsibility. These are all good reasons for helping with this ministry, right? When we get down to the nitty gritty facts, though, these good points are not the reason that we keep helping with this ministry. The truth of the matter is that we gain so much more by helping than we could ever give back.
I’m certain that each one of you already knows this truth: We can never out-give God. We keep helping with this ministry because of the relationships we’ve developed. People from many different denominations come together to help with this project. People from many different backgrounds purchase food from Angel Food Ministries. We’ve met people we probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. A smile here and there prompts a smile back. People begin to feel comfortable talking. Talk about the weather turns to talk about lost jobs and sick family. You might even find yourself mentioning your own concerns. Wait a minute. . . Wasn’t this endeavor about helping others?
Teresa of Avila is quoted as saying, “Christ moves among the pots and pans.” Somehow, while doing the work, words come easier, and more naturally. With a sense of camaraderie established between workers and guests, we both see our common bond, and each of us sees a glimpse of Christ in the other. In my mind, mission work is all about relationships. If we desire to be like Jesus, shouldn’t we be where the people are? What are your thoughts? Do you have a mission you feel passionately about?
Beth S
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March 20th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Jesus asked his disciples to drop what they were doing and follow Him. Some take this to heart and devote their entire lives to the endeavor. The rest of us work our regular jobs and attend to our families and friends and try to fit the “follow” part in the remaining hours. Obviously, there are many ways to follow Jesus. For me, mission work is as close as I get. I could easily forego the Sunday morning service in favor of mission work. When I’m doing mission work, I am always struck with the feeling that “this is what I’m supposed to be doing.” Now, I just have to find more time to do what I’m supposed to do. Just think of all the benefits:
Help People – People need to know that others care about them. When they see you rebuild a house, bring food by, or spend a Saturday morning organizing a food co-op then they know they are not alone in their needs.
Feel Good – It feels good to help people.
Make Connections – what a great way to connect with other people
Help Others Connect – It is very easy to invite people to get involved with mission work. It is a very non-threatening invitation and a great way to show you are a follower.