Ministry doesn’t always look like I think it should look like. It’s not always a perfectly wrapped box of to-dos with a nice pink bow on top. Sometimes it’s a simple as grabbing a cup of coffee with someone who needs a friend. Or spontaneous English lessons with students in the park. Or holding hands with an elderly woman who has no family to love her.
But sometimes ministry has some seriously messy packaging. Your coffee lovin’ friend may not know English very well – so casually conversing becomes really hard work. English lessons may be interrupted again & again by new participants & I find myself saying, “What’s your name?” for the hundredth time. The elderly woman actually suffers with a skin condition & as I touch her I’m thinking, “Is she contagious?”
Comfort, convenience & safety have always been high priorities in my decision-making. Will this throw me out of my comfort zone? How far out of my way will I have to go? Will I feel totally secure in this situation? After considering all these things, then I make a logical, informed decision – the best decision for ME.
When it comes down to it, ME FIRST is my wrapping paper of choice.
The beautiful thing is that in every decision I have the freedom to choose another way – Papa’s way.
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of Papa, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Good morning, Vietnam. Today I’m choosing Papa’s way. No matter what it looks like.
So far, this month has been really different & yet amazing. Because everyone wants to learn English, we have tons of opportunities to build relationships. My team & I have had so many conversations with so many people!
Vietnam is actually a closed country. When you think of us, ask Papa to give us wisdom & discernment to know how/when to share about Him.
Some words have been changed due to the laws here. Please keep that in mind if you comment.
