Thankfulness in Ministry: Shine (continued)

Nov 14 12:27 PM

Thankfulness in Ministry: Shine (continued)

Nov 14 12:27 PM

What would you say to someone who doesn’t feel equipped to serve?

I do not feel equipped to serve. I am disorganized, anxious, and unwise. But God’s glory, goodness, and grace shine through my weakness ALL THE TIME. If I’ve learned anything about serving in ministry, it’s that it really isn’t about me, my skills, my preparedness, or my personality. It’s ALL about God…His goodness, His grace, His mercy, and His love. I’d say: “Say yes; and prepare to be humbled beyond your comfort level, and thrilled beyond your greatest expectations.”

Why should people get involved in ministry?

If it is true that God manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14), how can we possibly keep from wanting to carry His scent everywhere? Additionally, we’ve been commissioned to go out into the world and make disciples. Whether we counsel people, deliver meals, chop wood, preach, or volunteer in a classroom, God is able to manifest the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ through our actions in every place. A fish can’t help but swim; a bird can’t help but fly; and a Christian can’t help but minister. It’s what we were made to do.

Can you share a ministry success from 2018?

Liz teaches the class for non-verbal kids with special needs at A. Montoya. I’ve helped in her classroom for a few years and come to know her well. Over the summer, Liz incurred massive flood damage to her home, and especially to her well. She lived without water for months, trying to get her homeowners’ insurance, lawyers, and others to help with the cost. In September, A. Montoya’s principal let me know that no help was coming for this young woman, and asked if we might be able to see about helping her. Shine volunteers jumped at the chance and donated money toward the cost of fixing the well. She couldn’t believe we were willing to help her. She gathered quotes, did some of the work herself, and found a great contractor. The contractor did the work for a fraction of his normal cost, and Shine volunteers had amassed more than enough money to cover the bill.

Liz and I got to have the sweetest conversation about God’s goodness and grace. She didn’t believe she deserved such a gift, and felt guilty receiving it. We talked of grace through Christ, about how none of us are saved by works, about how this was all part of God’s plan to draw her to Himself. Neither of us had dry eyes by the end of it. What an incredible privilege it was to get a small glimpse into the big work that God is doing in her heart, and to be part of His demonstration of love for her!

What do you want your volunteers to know?

I’m so, so grateful for them. I began as the Shine coordinator for our church with one thought: “Even if no one else does this, I’m going to do it.” What a sorry ministry it would have been indeed if it had just been me! MCC’s Shine volunteers continue to go into the uncomfortable, the messy, the scary, and the unpredictable with open hearts and willing hands. I marvel as God puts them in places where the gifts He’s given them really shine, and truly are used of Him to minister to others. They continue to encourage me in countless ways; and their selfless, joyful service spurs me on. I tend to be a one-woman team in many areas of life, not wanting to trust or lean on anyone. God has used my Shine team to show me what joy and abundance is found in serving alongside my family in Christ, and how much I really do need them!