We opened our hearts, inviting the spirit to guide us where we were to go as a team, what we were to do as a team. There were so many places I wanted to go. There were so many things I wanted to do. But it wasn’t about me. It was about GOD. It was about trusting that HE would guide us and that together, as a team, as a family, we would be in agreement and…
go.
So I prayed…
GOD, here we are in your hands. You have brought us this far. You have already used us in ways we never could have imagined. And I praise you for being the GOD of our hearts. I know there is more I need to trust you with. I know there is more you want to reveal. I know there is more you desire of us and that in all your grace and power you can use us as we completely trust in you. Here we are GOD. Guide us. Direct our steps. Teach us humility and selfless love through being servants…servants for you. GOD, I lay my own motivations, plans, and desires at your feet and wait, albeit somewhat impatiently, for your word. I trust in you. I trust in your direction. I trust in your love.
And GOD responded…
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ~1 Peter 4:9
As I received this scripture verse, HE led us to M@laysia to serve the homeless.
We started this ministry by preparing meals. At first, we didn’t really think much about this act, honestly. We amused ourselves with the experience of cleaning chickens and cutting nails off of chicken feet. We talked and laughed with each other as we prepared the garlic and onions and were excited to be learning more about cooking.
But then they came. Those who were tired and worn came. Those who were hungry and thirsty came. Those who were lost and rejected came. They entered Lighthouse Ministries and the Kawan Center, and we could feel the weariness. Some sat and rested while the afternoon tea was prepared. Others showered and cleaned up a bit yet, they still had to put their dirty clothes back on. For they are the only clothes they own.
And GOD called us to action…
We realized this was far more than just feeding the homeless. We saw their faces. We knew their names. Some were looking for more than just food, hope. Some just wanted to be heard, to be acknowledged. They are more than just the label of “the homeless”. They are our brothers and sisters. And I began to reflect more on what hospitality means. What more can I do? Hospitality is more than mere friendliness, it is generosity. And generosity is liberal in giving. It is unselfish. God calls us to give more than just bare minimum, but above and beyond. So we gave more of ourselves, sharing and being vulnerable with them. We went out into the streets at night and saw how they lived and talked with them there, telling them they aren’t rejected. We gave of our own possessions, an air mattress, money, etc. Some of us brought very little, and left with even less “stuff”, but with more love for our brothers and sisters than we could have ever imagined. I left with the knowledge that nothing is really ours or belongs to us.
So why keep to ourselves what is HIS to begin with? Let’s stop judging and simply listen and to respond to the ways GOD calls us to share HIS love with one another, and let’s share it generously! Let’s live out hospitality!
