Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Missionary (10/19/06)
-
TITLE: Treasures of Life | Previous Challenge Entry
By Frances Seymour
10/20/06 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Communication was extremely important and having worked alongside a pastor for several years, somehow I managed to adopt a little of his style—just a little! He taught me first and foremost that people need to feel appreciated in ministry and was constantly discovering creative ways to do this.
Our goal on the mission field runs parallel with the role of the church. As job site coordinators, we want our volunteers to enjoy the physical comforts of a relaxed atmosphere, good food and comfortable sleeping quarters along with a daily dose of spiritual food. And, just like the church, we want our volunteers to continue investing their time on mission for God.
Now, I imagine this sounds rather simple, but believe me when I tell you that a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make this happen.
One idea that we’ve incorporated is to send all of our first time volunteers a simple post card thank you. After receiving this card in the mail, one of our volunteers approached me and said, “You know that colorful card you sent—my wife framed it!” Wow! What a compliment!
Think about this comment for a moment and tell me what you do with the things you value to preserve them? Why, you place them inside a piece of cardboard and Plexiglas!
This is the same principle that compels us as North Carolina Baptist Men and Women to do what we do. Some folks don’t understand how we can make the sacrifices we do to follow Jesus, however our sacrifices pales in comparison with what He did for us at Calvary.
In all honesty, most of us on the mission field are physically comfortable. We are well fed and have a decent place to sleep, but look at what Jesus had to say about His ministry.
But Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head." Matthew 8:20 (NLT)
In the field, we may not have anything better to live in than bunkhouses, warehouses, campers or huts, but at least we have a constant place to lay our heads.
The bottom line is that by investing our lives in the lives of other people through acts of service not only pleases God but enables us to joyfully serve Him as we actively pursue life’s ultimate fulfillment.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (NLT)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.