Mission Minded
Months ago I was listening to a sermon from Zach and Sarah’s church in Myerstown, PA. We enjoy Pastor Joe and catch up with his sermons the following week on YouTube. This particular day I was on the stair climber at the Y and he was talking about being sent. Specifically to Arise – Get up and Go. I felt a check in my spirit I had not yet felt about this new season we were about to enter. That night I asked Gary to listen to the message.
The same week we had listened to our own church online and the message was similar.
About a month later, October 26th, Pastor Grant in our Vision Series spoke about “Living on Mission”.
He quoted Martin Luther King, Jr “If a man hasn’t discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” “EVERYTHING we believe and do has eternal impact on everyone around us.” Pastor Grant said.
Wow. We felt it. At the conclusion of service, we went to the altar for prayer. What started out as a plan for retirement and grandkids definitely has a ministry feel to it. Now, do we know what that looks like? At that point we did not. But we are willing, that is what He asks.
So, for three months we have talked about this with those in our circle. My last day of work on site at the YMCA a friend, co-worker and fellow Warrior for Christ gives me a gift. Included in the gift is a $20.00 bill and a note. This woman has heard my heart and came in agreement with me and literally sowed seeds into a ministry that had yet to be revealed. I was overcome. Her faith, in God and in my ability to be obedient, is beautiful.
January 31st we arrive at our destination in Woodbine, GA. The next day is Sunday and after church we see young men in the RV across the street, just coming and going. I knew then what my ministry for this destination was. I pulled out a brand-new chocolate chip cookie recipe and started baking, in my RV.
cookie dough
Baking in an RV
Now, listen; hear me, please. This is not at all about me. I am a sinner saved by grace. My righteousness is nothing but filthy rags. This is not bragging on who I am or what I have done. I can do nothing without Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. I want to be clear about this. I am telling you this because I want you to see the hand of God that went before me, walks beside me and has prepared a way ahead of me.
Before He set the foundations of the earth, God had a plan for you. Just like He has a plan for these young men who are my temporary neighbors….and we all know what Jesus said about our neighbors!!!
I have now met all five of them; three are brothers. They work construction sites in the area. I have made cookies, twice; banana bread and one of them had a birthday yesterday; I was able to make him a birthday cake. Know what I used to buy the supplies for Scottie’s cake? YUP, those seeds San sowed in my ministry two weeks before I even knew what that ministry was!
First ministry purchase
The boys came home from work just as I finished icing it so I did not get a photo of the finished product.
I am honored and humbled. I am downright giddy to be walking this out with Him. I keep thinking that God has sent me to be the answer to some grandma’s prayers. Somewhere someone is praying and I get to be the hands and feet of Jesus. WOW.
If you have stuck with me this far, thank you. This is what I want to say to you. I am not special. God wants to use you in the same way in His kingdom. Well, maybe not the SAME way. Maybe you hate to bake. But He wants to use the unique gifts and talents He gave you to be a blessing and advance the Kingdom. Remember what Pastor Grant said? “Everything we believe and do has eternal impact on everyone around us.” How are you impacting the Kingdom of Heaven today?
Lastly, if you are reading this and think I have fallen and hit my head…know this…. He sees you. He knows you and He loves you. He will not stop pursuing you. Even the fact that you are reading this shows that you are on His mind and He wanted you to know it, deep down in your “knower”.
I love you and I thank you for doing life with me! Be blessed.