When we think of “giving” towards ministry, our thoughts immediately go towards grabbing our checkbooks or credit cards. This month, however, was a great example of how not all giving is financial. When word got out to our ministry hosts that I was an architect, they immediately commissioned me to help them update their church building facade. I really didn’t think my architecture experience would be used much this year, so it has surprised me that already, in month one, it was needed. If I’m quite honest, I know that design is not the area of architecture I am most gifted in…but because of my years of experience, I have some great contacts with those who are in fact quite amazing designers. After sending out an email to my friends at my old firm, HKS, with some pictures and a description of what the pastor was hoping for, folks back in the States went to work. Days later, I started getting sketches and ideas to present to the Pastor. Thank you so much to everyone who sent me design ideas. The pastor and his wife were ecstatic at all the options and were particularly drawn to one in particular. It’s just amazing how the Lord works.
This person, whose design was selected, truly went all out in providing even a video presentation of his new design for the church. Last year as I was preparing to leave for the race, he was always such an encouragement to – always coming over to see how things were going, and letting me know he and his family were praying for me. I know he wanted to help more than he was able to do financially…and God certainly provided a cool way for him to do so – with his talents.
God will use whatever we relinquish to Him…and He’s quite creative. Some are called to be sent out, some are called to pray, some are called to give financially, some are called to give of their talents, some are called to be encouragers to those at home and abroad. We all have a part to play. In this instance, there’s a very tangible way to see how God used someone thousands of miles away to be a part of the work God is doing in some small town in the Dominican Republic. I wish we could always see the fruit of our participation in God’s work – I can’t even fathom all the ways lives here are impacted by the prayers of those at home. Know that the part you play is great, and God is using you all in amazing ways!
