Ministry can be the best thing ever. But it can also kind of suck. A World Race Alum told us at Training Camp about how she had to pick up pine cones for a month during her race. I think many of us, including myself, begged God to not have us picking up pine cones or something similar for 1-3 months. So far, so good.
Now similar to life, ministry is not always how we want it to be and it definitely does not always go according to plan.
Children’s Home:
When I went to the children’s home, I expected to be hanging out with some children. This is usually what happened.
But I was sometimes scheduled to help there at a time when all the kids were either at school or taking a nap. The first time this happened, I was disappointed. But I asked one of the workers if there was anything I could do to help. I ended up folding laundry and helping take the trash out. Another worker walked in, and he was so surprised and grateful that I was helping fold the clothes. I didn’t really think it mattered that I helped fold clothes and take out trash, but it did. That’s what needed done when I was there. And by doing it, I got to spend time with a few of the children’s home workers. What I initially thought was going to be a waste of my time ended up being a great experience. It would have really sucked if I had just decided to sit outside and sulk, because things weren’t the way I expected and wanted.
Feedings:
I love feedings a lot. But giving out the food can be stressful, especially when there are a lot of people. And it hurts if the food runs out, especially when you prayed for everyone to get enough food. And the food is so hot, you have to be really careful when serving it. What I actually enjoy most about feedings is getting to invest time into a community. I love getting to know people, playing with the children, and looking for any needs we can help with.
Extra:
Now sometimes ministry isn’t always scheduled, so it comes out of free time. It’s so worth it, but sometimes I would get tired. Sometimes it would be a struggle to play with the kids or talk to people, especially when I knew I didn’t actually have to. I know I probably missed some great opportunities, which makes me sad. But I know I also took some great opportunities, like talking to the women who make purses and aprons in the office at the YMC and playing with their children. A few times because a person wasn’t feeling well, I would cover their shift at the nursery in the children’s home. I love being with the kids so much, but sometimes when it’s 10:00pm all you want is the crying baby you’re holding to go to sleep. Then they finally asleep, so you lay the baby in their crib just to have them wake right back up again. (Still completely worth it, but man oh man is that tiring.)Also talking to and playing with children in the community around us when part of me would rather sleep or just not hear the same 3 lines of Let It Go over and over again was sometimes a bit of a struggle. But I am so glad I spent all the time with all the people I did. I know if I haven’t, I would really be regretting it now that I can’t spend time with all the kids and people there.
So I encourage you to make the most of every situation and take all the opportunities you can to help and show love to people. A few people on the squad have talked about how the Race is what we make it. Well, sometimes life is what we make it. I know at home I don’t usually have much scheduled ministry. I figure you may not either. But I’m hoping you find some anyway. 😉
And I’m hoping after 9 months of so much ministry that it will become a way of life. I don’t want to stop being on a mission when I get home. I don’t want to stop looking for every chance to help and love people. I want to follow Jesus wherever I am, which means sacrificing time, money, and effort. So I’m asking you to hold me accountable to this when I get back home.
As always thank you for the thoughts, prayers, and support.
Much love,
~grace
