An Unforeseen Missionary

My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven’t you segregated God’s children and proved that you are judges who can’t be trusted? Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens!

James 2:1-5 (MSG)

On my early morning drive to church, a pastor on the radio preached about James 2. At the exit from the highway, I pondered his message. 

            On many occasions, men begged at that stoplight but rarely on my way to church. However, that day, a man holding a sign that said-God bless you- stood near my car. 

            I averted my eyes from him as my mind quickly thought of beggars who try to guilt drivers by writing messages about God on their cardboard signs. Then a nudge by the Holy Spirit reminded me of the bag in my backseat. I grabbed a plastic bag with a bottle of water, granola bar and devotional. The man smiled as he took the gift. 

            The delayed light gave us time to talk. “Thank you,” he said. “God bless you.” 

            “I am on my way to church,’’ I replied. 

            A huge smile spread across his face as he raised his hands toward the sky. “I go to church at 9:30 at Sanlando. Do you go there?” 

            “No, I go to Northland,” I answered as the light changed.

            Our short, but meaningful exchange, played over and over in my mind and touched my heart. What perfect timing with the Scripture from James and the man by the road. 

            I have no idea why he was at the corner but his sign was sincere. I could have ignored him and missed an important lesson God had for me. 

            As a greeter at church, people enter who are dressed well, some rather shabby and all kinds in-between. Outward appearances mask what is inside whether they wear fancy clothes or well-worn ones. 

            I was almost like the priest who passed the beaten man on the road as he hurried to perform his priestly duties. I could have passed him since I was on my way to church to serve those who entered our building. 

            My job isn’t to judge but to welcome them all like Jesus whether I am volunteering at church or in the community. 

Loving Father, help us to be kind in all types of situations. You know what people are going through when we don’t. Open our hearts to love those around us even when it is difficult.

Amen

 

       

A Different Kind of Mission

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NKJV)

Candles twinkled on the tables. The aroma of delicious food filled the air.  Friends waited for Pastor Robert and Rose to descend the stairs for their surprise anniversary party. 

            Music played as the couple from Uganda were showered with love by American friends. Team members from mission trips, one of their sons, and other friends welcomed them. 

            The humble couple told a little of their stories and how thankful they were for each other and how God has worked in their lives. 

            Each attendee said a few words about the couple. It was evident they had touched many lives. My husband, Alan, had met them on a trip to Uganda several years ago after he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. 

            Memories of mission trips flooded my mind that night. The love of the couple made me miss Alan more than normal. They definitely displayed the love of Jesus to each other and those around them. 

            A couple of days later, I attended a lunch for the Brazilian mission trip members to share their experiences. Once again, friends and family members listened to testimonies of changed lives for the Brazilians and Americans. 

            Pictures of the boat on the Amazon reminded me of when Alan and I served there. Each story shared brought back memories of when we distributed reading glasses and sunglasses to residents along the river who had very little access to health care.  

            A team member’s story brought me back to the present when she said she was a widow. One day on the trip, she spoke with a widow who wanted to see well enough to read her Bible. A couple of team members left and returned to the boat. They came back with a pair of glasses so the lady could read. 

            That incident touched my heart because the ladies were also widows, and because I had donated reading glasses from the boxes Alan had left me. No longer did I wonder if anyone had given them out. Alan’s legacy lived on. My heart smiled. 

After lunch, Pastor Gus showed me an email he had just received from Pastor Patrick in South Sudan. He planned to be in the US and asked if I had any glasses.  Alan had given out hundreds while on a mission there.

As Alan prepared to see Jesus, he told me that there were enough glasses for four mission trips. However, I had only gone on one since he passed away. Each year, I think about the trips and remember how we traveled around the world. During the mission talks, I regretted that I had not continued our yearly mission trips.  

Then I realized that time and age change situations. As I near eighty, my body isn’t as adaptable or healthy as it used to be. However, I realized that instead of going on missions, I can continue to supply donations and support those who do go. The glasses in my garage will be put to good use around the world as others distribute them. 

Perhaps there will be an easier trip in my future but if not, I look forward to how God will lead me to serve others from home both nearby and overseas.  

Look around. Who can you serve today?

Heavenly Father, you have gifts and work for each of us to do no matter our ages. Show us your plans and help us accept that we can’t always do what we want to do but give us wisdom to obey what you want. Because you bless us, we can bless others. 

Amen