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From where I stand I can hear exotic screeches from the dwellers of the trees. I can feel a scorching sun, seemingly closer than any other part of the world. The reptiles freely roam their territory. There's fences surrounding our temporary home, topped with barbwire and sealed with locks as big as my hand, this is Jurassic Park…

Okay, so I'm kidding, it’s Australia. More specifically, Darwin, Australia. Yes there's barbwire and chains, but not to keep out raging dinosaurs…though I can't say I would complain much about that! Actually this month our team is staying at Darwin Christian Outreach Center (COC), and the compound locks up at night, so it's not really threatening unless you've missed the 11:00pm curfew.

I will admit that this place is pretty sweet. The COC is kind of like a go between for aboriginals who are pregnant, sick and have doctor’s appointments, or need longer term stay for things like dialysis. Basically the government in Australia pays for the aboriginals to stay here and take the medical transport services to their doctor visits so they aren't staying in a hospital. Meals are provided, there's a play ground for the kids that stay here, and everyone has a bed and room to stay in. It's a pretty good set up.
Now let’s get to the good part, the aboriginals. These are some pretty interesting people. We spend our mornings here cleaning rooms, making beds, and doing some yard work here and there, but the meals provide time for us to interact with the COC guests. I've heard so many stories about black magic, it's really common in their villages and they normally have some involvement in it. On top of that there's a lot of alcoholism. These people are seriously attacked. But despite the conflicts in their lives they strive for Jesus. I can't tell you how many times we are stopped and asked to pray. They long for healing and they long for Jesus.

I will tell you something that I have had on my mind a lot here lately and then end with a challenge for you. When we spend the first part of our mornings cleaning these rooms it's hot, some rooms are destroyed, and we are just exhausted. We make the beds with little effort and clean as fast as possible. It becomes more quantity over quality I guess. The other day my teammate mentioned "sometimes I just have to tell myself 'I'm doing this for Jesus'" and it stuck with me. If it was Jesus staying in these rooms I would be ashamed of the way I cleaned that room. I definitely would not let Him stay there! So here is your challenge:
When we serve God's people we are serving God. So next time you are helping a friend, or even a stranger, think about the quality of work you are doing. Would it be worthy of the Lord? Did you do it to the glory of God?

Until next time…