It has been several weeks since I
last posted; a lot has happened in the last four weeks. And as I ponder the events of February, I am
both challenged and encouraged even as I grieve the sudden death of a friend
and faithful worker at Forest Park Ministry Center. Mr. Fred had a massive heart attack while
working at the center the first week of February, and went to be with Jesus
within 24 hours. His last act on earth
was serving in Christ’s name those who are oppressed and impoverished, just as
we are commanded to do in God’s Word.
Even in his death, there have been opportunities to share Christ, since
he was well known by other volunteers and guests of the center alike. Many guests have asked about him and have
needed to process his death – and it has led to several conversations about
God’s timing for each of our lives. Now
is the time to insure that we have a relationship with Christ – we do not need
to procrastinate!
Which brings me to this week. I am currently at a retreat and conference
with many others who are in community ministry in communities all over
Alabama. Our topic of study this week is
“When Helping Hurts”, and we are evaluating and praying about how to most
effectively assist others in the way that Christ would – especially in light of
the fact that we are to be His hands and feet to others in this world where we
reside!
We have learned that three types of
assistance are generally given to those identified as “poor”, living in
poverty. These are relief – meaning
emergency assistance; rehabilitation – meaning a restoration of the positive
aspects of life that existed before a person found themselves in poverty; and
development – which requires relationship and mentoring, walking alongside
someone as they seek to make life change.
Seems a no brainer – even though we
seek to help people in crisis by giving emergency assistance (and those who are
in situational poverty because of job loss, grave illness, natural disaster, or
some other temporary state may even be able to rehabilitate after needed
emergency assistance) – a large number of those who visit our center need life
change. A relationship with Christ,
first and foremost, and an understanding of what it means to be responsible and
honor Him through wise decisions and good stewardship – and that takes
development.
I pray that through the Layette
Ministry, through M&M’s Bible study, through individual and group
counseling that we plan to offer, that we will be more diligent and faithful to
be relational as we seek to reach out to people who are ready to make life
changing decisions to follow Christ and his precepts for life. And I pray for eyes to see the small steps
taken as celebration and the missteps with mercy. I pray that because I know that Jesus looks
at my own missteps with mercy, and I must do no less for those to whom I
minister.
I am only halfway through the
study, and look forward to learning action steps to take for more effective
ministry. There has been so much food
for thought and conviction that I need to take it all in, process it, and pray
a lot over it! I will post later as I learn
more.
Leaning and learning,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center
