Daily Devotionals

A Commitment to Serve

Posted in Serving/Missions

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another.  In the same way that I loved you, you love one another.  This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”  John 13:34-35 (The Message)

 

Our family just returned from the mission trip to Abaco Bahamas over Spring Break.  Our children are ages 12 and 15, and we traveled with 24 other Eastminster missionaries.  I’ll admit I was hesitant to go on the trip.  I could think of a thousand reasons why I shouldn’t go. But, I am so glad I made the time for this trip.

 

In my younger years, I thought that mission trips meant knocking on doors, handing out Bibles, and saving souls.  This was not appealing to me.  Then I came to Eastminster and saw that on mission trips we share the love and joy of Christ by serving others in distant places.  This mission trip was incredible because it was a combination of service and retreat.  We had a great balance of service (we roofed two houses) and fun (we went to the beach).  I came home refreshed and renewed in the Living Spirit of Christ. 

 

I was inspired by the women whose homes we were repairing.  I was inspired by the children who lived there or nearby and just wanted to be heard.  I was inspired by the honks and waves and questions from the Abaco community, as they asked and probably wondered why these crazy Americans were working on Ms. Stacey’s house.  I was inspired by the missionaries, Gabe and Jan, who glow with the love of Christ.  I was inspired by our Eastminster youth (mostly middle schoolers) who worked hard and showered the local children with love and attention.

 

I never thought I was a “service” person.  I don’t have time for it, I tell myself. I don’t enjoy it.  Well, I have changed!  Please step out of your comfort zone with me and make time to serve your church and your neighbors.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the seeds you plant in each of us to reach out and serve others.  Please help me heed Your gentle nudges and commit to serve you and our neighbors.  Amen.

 

Submitted by Heidi Carey