You may recall some recent posts that I had on Tonya Fisher and Orlando (see picture above). Tonya was recently released from prison. She came through our clothes closet, and the church provided clothing and furniture for her. Orlando is a mechanic who is out of work. He recently came through our food pantry.
I could tell with both Tonya and Orlando that they had good hearts, and we prayed with them when they came in. Also, last Thursday, I took them out to eat at a restaurant, along with my parents and Bill and Lea Bowman. My parents and the Bowmans had worked in the prison ministry, and Tonya was interested in going back into the prison and sharing the gospel with them. During this meal, she recognized my mother as having taught one of her Bible classes in the jail.
On Sunday, Tonya joined us for worship. She sat with the Bowmans, her new found friends. And I interviewed her during my sermon, "Giving Thanks to God During Difficult Times." She had a powerful testimony to share. If she could be thankful, having been recently in jail and having no clothes or furniture, how could we not be thankful? She inspired us all.
Then, on Monday, both Tonya and Orlando came out and helped us distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to families from Vega elementary, the school that we have adopted, and some of our food pantry and clothes closet customers. They did a great job, and they really enjoyed it. I think that they felt needed (which they were), and were touched by our faith and trust in them.
As much as possible, we should take benevolent ministries and engage those we are serving in becoming servant leaders. This humanizes them and teaches them what it means to be a follower of Christ--which is being a servant. Sharing meals with those we serve, praying with them, and taking the time to hear their stories is a way to show them great love.
How have you or your church engaged those you are serving, helping them to serve?
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