Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 Sao Paulo, Brazil

Serving to Serve 

It’s a funny concept, really, as we went into our last day. Although every moment aroused questions about the strange world in which we found ourselves, we had basically experienced all the regular ministry activities in the neighborhoods where we visited. How would our efforts be maximized?

We had come to serve. We had lessons and workshops. We nursed wounds and sickness.  We prayed, evangelized, and preached. We gave, sorted, organized, and delivered donations. We counseled. However, despite all the doing which was wonderful, there was something greater that the Spirit wanted from us. He wanted us to serve heart first. The greatest service that we could give was presence, joyful laughter, a really bad joke, a hug, and a willing hand. 

But today I got “stuck” in the kitchen.  There was so much to be done! In fact, as I was finally free from the kitchen ready to do “real ministry”, someone handed me a bag and said, “Let’s go. It’s time to go home.” I mentioned to the kitchen boss lady (who was 10 years younger than me) that our work today was in support ministry, she simply raised her head, said a simple “Yes”, and continued working. It was the cherry on top of a sundae served of what Jesus said was the second greatest commandment: love your neighbor. We did what we came to do: serve the least of these, but found that though God is glorified in the “ministry” done and those who made it possible, quite often, it is the little things, the seemingly meaningless acts shared through relationships that best share Christ’s love and shine His light into the darkness that so needs its touch