What a Week!

Back when I sold books door to door to pay my way through college we often used the affirmation, "You can't be nervous when your mind's on service." It helped keep everyone going when you were a little scared or nervous about going to the next house.  Well that was an apt saying for us this week as we served our church and went on mission to the community of Red Springs, NC.  

There were a few moments of nervousness throughout the week:  "Will we be able to pull this off?"  "What if the food doesn't taste good?"  "What if people don't show up for the thanksgiving fundraiser because of the rain?"  What if we can't get the food served up fast enough?  "What if we don't get everything done on our mission projects?"  "What if we can't think of the words to say to the people whom we are serving?"  There were lots of reasons to be nervous about such a busy week, but "you can't be nervous when your mind's on service."  

In fact that is exactly what two of our youth taught us at our Friday night devotional at mission camp this weekend.  In 1 Peter 4:11 it says, "Whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies..."  If our minds are on service to others then we know that God will supply us with the strength and ability to do His work; so there is no need to be nervous or afraid.  Our youth explained that the weekend was not just about us, but about the people we were coming to serve.  When our minds are on serving others then we don't have to be nervous about our own feelings or desires.  Instead we just allow the Lord to use us how He wishes; as His willing servants.  

With that attitude the youth pulled off a great Thanksgiving meal fundraiser and raised over $800 dollars.  Everyone enjoyed themselves by expressing their thanks for what God has done in their lives, sharing a delicious meal together, and singing and hearing the reading of God's word.  The youth did an excellent job!  I want to thank you all for making it a great success!  

The mission trip to Red Springs was another amazing time of service.  We helped a single mom with 5 kids and a grandson fix up their house and get it ready for the cold winter.  The youth later shared that it was an impacting experience as they worked in a house without flooring, roofing, or central heating.  They said that it sure made them appreciate what they had.  

We also left a permanent mark on the town of Red Springs as part of our group built a huge hose drying rack for the local fire department.  As they dug holes and put posts in the ground they experienced the satisfaction of working hard for someone else without expecting anything in return.  It was rewarding to look at what we were able to accomplish in just a few hours.  

The youth at the Refuge were also present for another thanksgiving meal in he afternoon on Saturday.  We helped serve the community of Red Springs a delicious turkey dinner (we know it was good because we had some too!!).  It was another great time to serve and reach out to a community who truly needs to be loved with the love of Jesus.  The youth did a great job of sparking up conversations with the locals and serving in Jesus name.  

With our minds set upon the Lord and the service of His kingdom, what could we possibly have to be nervous about!  It was a great week!  Thanks for all your hard work!  

What are you afraid of about out reach and evangelism?  If your mind is set upon the Lord and the service of his kingdom then there is no reason to be nervous.  He will supply all that we need!