“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
If you were to go to ‘http://www.trinityhope.org/how-can-i-help ‘ you will find several options; Donate, Endowment Fund, Sponsor a School, Volunteer or Pray with us. Quite often our North American culture get the idea that service to God must be an "up front" kind of activity. To many, the activity has to be fun and also be about ‘me’ when serving God. Too many of us, our pastor is ‘serving’ God.
After seeing the attached photo showing Quincy getting ready to snap a photo of children from the Lutheran School in Ouanaminthe it seems like that would be a lot of fun. Just a heads up; Quincy is now in his last year at the LCMS Seminary in St. Louis. When some who want to go to Haiti find out that it is very hot and humid and work involves walking and the water temperature is generally the same as the outdoors; then it doesn’t seem like the thing to do.
There are many Trinity/HOPE volunteers and only a very small percent have actually made the trip to Haiti. Our mission teams give a devotion to the children, work through a quality control checklist, take lots of photos, check attendance records, take more photos and share the love of Jesus with the children, teachers and administrators. How can I help?
The truth is that much of our daily life is spent serving God's purpose; in fact, our greatest impact might come out of a small act of faithfulness. God's followers shouldn't underestimate or minimize the scope of ministry. It only takes a quarter to feed a child. If you have a pocket full of quarters you could probably feed this group of children at Ouanaminthe. If your Bible study group were to take up a collection each month you could probably sponsor a school. What role are you meant to fulfill today? Prayerfully commit to serve the Lord in everything you do. I close with words to the song ‘Send me’ by Twila Paris.
“If I close my ears to the feeble cry of the poor man's child as he passes by me. I can mark Your word there will come a time when my cries will fall on ears like mine. Here am I, Lord, send me; here am I, Lord, send me. Father in Heaven show Your mercy, send me. That his hope should die this was not Your plan. You have willed that I would become Your hands, Lord. When I feel Your pain and it fills my eyes when my heart is Yours I will stand and cry. Here am I, Lord, send me. Here am I, Lord, send me. Father in Heaven show Your mercy, send me. Send me in a humble spirit broken for the weaker part. Send me where the need is greater, send me with a servant's heart. Here am I, Lord, send me. Here am I, Lord, send me, Father in Heaven show Your mercy send me.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay