This is what I'm made for!

I've been a volunteer in the local church since 1994, that’s back when I was in Standard 7. Interesting is that I really only got saved in 1997. It’s probably because of my church upbringing. Growing up I went to Sunday school, then youth, then I moved to another town and became an altar boy (my first volunteer encounter). The list goes on… lay minister, crusade psalmist, youth leader, choir leader, choir member, front vocal, worship leader, church board member and currently an open lounge facilitator at City Lights.

My mission is and will always be to equip and get people ready so they can serve God effectively, leading people to Christ trough their gifs & talents. Now if you have never assisted in ministry as a volunteer you would probably raise your brow by now, thinking “that is a bit much”. No not al all.

This is what it’s all about.

The above is the answer from many volunteers when asked why they do it. Whether it be helping to teach kids, change nappies, pack chairs, feed the poor, take clothe to a shelter and event sing in the choir.

The gratitude on the faces of people, the deep sense of appreciation, knowing that you have done something good for someone who can never repay you, that you might never see again, is what brings a smile to your face after a long day burning in the sun assisting with meals for the homeless.

We live in a radical world

Here is God’s idea of what our world should be like:

·         When He said we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart and soul and mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves, He was calling us to trade our ritualized religion for a genuine relationship with God, to offer others the same kind of attention, honor, and compassion we give ourselves.

·         When Jesus punctuated His teaching with concern for the poor, the powerless, and the oppressed, He was describing a new value system.

·         When He said take up your cross and follow Me, He was describing in graphic terms that following Him would require sacrifice, long hours, hardship and death to something selfish inside of us.

Are you a part of it or the cause of it?

Just recently when I went on vacation back to South Africa I attended our local church in Johannesburg quite regularly. Watching the team at work, ushering the people in, singing their hearts out on the platform and serving in the lounge; everything inside of me wanted to be on their side and not on the receiving side.

What they were doing was excellent worship to God and service to men. Yes many times we need to be served, but for me it’s more about being the cause of someone giving their hearts to God, having a great time in worship, and getting a smile on their faces. It’s much better being the cause of it, than just being part.

I want to encourage you as we are moving in a new building this week at City Lights; to put your hands to the plough and make someone’s day, bring a smile to someone’s face and experience what I have described above, the love of God. Know that you are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath and whatever you put your hands to will prosper!