I heard a sermon by Tim Ross on Sunday that really made me think. I actually got to hear it twice, so it made me think twice as much. The sermon was titled "Give...Do Not Refuse."
This month is missions month at Hopwood and I am excited to be a part of an extraordinary group of people that don't just talk about the gospel, but live it.
When I first talk to Tim about my desire to work in long term missions his first question was, "what are you doing now?"
Interesting. What was I doing then? Well I was a college student, newlywed, worked a part time job, and tried to stay just above the water to keep from drowning in the gazillon different things on my plate.
All of those are excuses. The truth is working in missions in the town I grew up in seemed so boring. I wanted something exotic, something not everyone could do. I wanted bragging rights for the one that went the furthest and dealt with the most difficult tasks.
But thats not what missions is about, as I have learned after helping out in my own area. It's more difficult to realize the injustices in your own area then abroad. It's also more difficult to help people that are just like you. The ones you think should have worked harder, made better choices, that should have known better.
It has taken many years and lots of service to see past my own judgements. This realization didn't come by deep thought and pondering God's word, but by living it out. There are so many ways to get involved in your area. If you can't find a ministry, then make one. The needs are great and we can't depend on other people to fill it.
God put you here for a purpose, start using it.
Here are some amazing ministries in my area
Habitat for Humanity
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Coalition for Kids
Friends of John Sevier
It all starts here, where we are now.
