Develop Disciples to Serve
Judy Luffman of Redmond, OR, USA
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. -Galatians 6:2, 9-10
Our first assignment as an appointee family was to what was then the North Atlantic States Region. That put us a continent away from relatives and friends, and it thrust us into a culture quite different from where we had grown up. A further challenge was making the move across country with a preschooler and an infant, but we felt led to serve in this way. With eagerness matched by a degree of apprehension and grief in leaving family behind, we stepped out in faith.
When we made the initial trip to look for housing, we were blessed to meet a family from a local congregation who welcomed us to stay with them. Not only did they provide a base for house hunting; but they also loaned us their car and supplied the gas, which during the time of gas price wars was a remarkable gift of hospitality. Their friendship made both our move and our ministry with them during our years on the East Coast a wonderful experience that formed the basis for empowering us for servant ministry for many more years. Even before it became one of the Mission Initiatives, this family was developing disciples to serve through their gift of hospitality.
Sometimes putting a Mission Initiative into action can be that simple. If you feel unprepared to teach or preach, you can offer other gifts, such as hospitality. It is something many of us can do. Who knows how the lives you touch may one day offer servant ministry?
Prayer Phrase
“In God’s hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (Job 12:10).
Spiritual Practice
All That Lives
Sit quietly and sense God’s presence flowing through the trees and all creation. Offer a prayer of gratitude for your connection to all that lives. Ask for grace to discern and carry out one small act of justice or healing that creates greater wholeness for the plants, animals, trees, waters, air, and land that are part of the community of creation.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
