Enkindling

Tonight I had the opportunity to spend time with other Christian singles. It was a time of socialization and mission. A friend of mine was given a vision to be the “hands” of Christ. He invites singles all over north Atlanta to spend time together on a friday night. And while we are socializing… we are making sack lunches to be handed out the next day to the homeless people living under the bridges of Atlanta. Great idea huh? We were split into two teams. One team prepared the sandwiches. The other wrote personal notes onto scripture cards to be placed into the lunch sack. We swapped half way through.

Often I find myself wondering if we really get it? I’m sure you have never thought that. It is all too easy to put together sandwiches and place yourself on a pedestal. It is a another thing to put together sandwiches and realize there but for God’s grace would I not have to eat that sandwich tomorrow. As I wrote my personal notes an overwhelming feeling of my own “neediness” settled in. Therefore, here is what I wrote on those cards:

“Every one who was involved in getting this lunch to you needs God as much as you do. As you enjoy this food please pray for us. Some of us are less aware of our own need.           — God Bless You.”

Sometimes God takes the broken, less fortunate, downtrodden people in our path to bring us closer to Him. Instead of showing the homeless people in Atlanta (or where ever you live) how much they need you; try showing them how much you need them. Which is more Holy? God needing you? Or you needing Him?

Last month I was blessed to be in Colorado Springs for two weeks on business. Through a myriad of God’s orchestration I found myself having lunch with Chet and Katie Williams and their three very well behaved children. There is another story as to how this came about which I will write at a later date.

It was at that lunch that I reconnected with my heart. Across the table sat Chet, Katie, and kids. Chet and Katie are missionaries in Ecuador. I was a missionary for 5 years a while back. During that conversation I had a chance to ask Chet plenty of questions about their calling, what they are doing, and what God is doing with them. At one point Chet teared up as he shared about the people they are called to and how God has touched him and Katie while they are busy trying to reach the people in Ecuador.

I broke as I saw those tears run down Chet’s face. I know those tears all too well. If you have not been a missionary you may not understand this. Notice I did not say “if you have not been a missionary in a foreign country.” If you are saved, you are a missionary right where you sit reading this. It’s not a career. It’s not a job title. It is a calling. It is a PASSION. The tears running down Chet’s face that afternoon were tears of passion. It was evident he was right where God wanted and with the people God wanted he and his family to be with.

There is so much more to tell about my time with them. Suffice to say I was blessed beyond measure meeting Chet’s family and hope to continue the relationship for years to come. That brings me to me and you (the reader). Have you ever cried tears of passion because you knew without a doubt you were where you need to be, with the people you are supposed to be with, and your heart breaks for them? Is that occuring right now in your circle of influence? If not I invite you to ask God why? Open your heart to the people you are doing life with now. And ask God to break your heart for the people you are called to be with.

May you smile one day as tears of passion for God’s people in your life run down your face.

And just so you know… Chet and Katie gave up a bright future financially to pursue God’s calling on their lives. You may never do what Chet and Katie and countless others have done, but you are called to do something. Maybe it starts with supporting Chet’s family financially and commiting to prayer for them?