Yesterday, I spent a lot of time sitting at this keyboard and conversing with my friends who happened to be available. I ate some good meals that had been prepared for me. I went to the drug store and grocer. I visited with my son and grandson.
I was busy introducing a hybrid strain of rice in Indonesia that gives a greater harvest in the same rice paddy. I was drilling water wells and providing medical help in Africa while teaching better farming methods to alleviate food shortages. I was on a hospital ship caring for disaster victims in Haiti. I was on a medical team caring for the cholera victims. I was on various Native American reservations helping with agriculture, medical needs, injuries. In fact, yesterday, I was in some seventy nations around the world meeting basic needs. At the same time, in each of those places, I was carrying the Good News of Jesus Christ. How can one retired old man who really doesn't get around too fast accomplish this?
Of course I, personally, was not in all those places. It was an accomplishment to just go shopping. The secret is this. I chose to follow Christ and try to obey His command in Matthew 28:19-20. To accomplish this I chose to join a local church that had chosen to join a local association that was by choice a part of a state association that had decided to work with a national association who's purpose is to make it possible for this old man, by contributing a portion of his income to the church he has chosen, to be a part of all of these things I have enumerated.
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every nation---" Obviously, I can't accomplish that but I, with the help of a church organization, am able to be a part of sending people all over the world to accomplish that goal. My contribution is tiny by comparison but, just as the oceans are composed of drops of water, when combined with the millions of others who participate in these organized churches, I can accomplish much and show the love of Jesus Christ around the world.
Some object to 'organized churches'. I wonder how they would accomplish what I did yesterday.
Such a beautiful post, Trooper. Everything you said here is so true. One day in heaven we may all be surprised to see just what all we've accomplished with our giving. It is that small piece of bread cast upon the water. That portion that swells. We just have to cast it; it is up to God to cause the increase.
ReplyDeleteThere is another way you have accomplished great missions' work upon the field, and that is through Facebook. You have mentioned and I must agree with you, one of your God-given talents is to encourage, and that you do in abundance my friend.
If the greatest of these is love, then you certainly fall among those greatest of gifts.
Arlie, this is just amazing! In just a few words you have captured my imagination and awakened my heart for God that has been sleeping lately.
ReplyDeleteHelping others is inherent in my life. Guess that's why I was a nurse. And, if health issues hadn't been in the way I would still be walking those halls.
I'll be attending my organized church of choice this morning. I'll say a prayer of thanksgiving that I am friends with such a wise and loving man.
You are loved, dear Arlie. Thank you for this amazing post.
Arlie... Thank you for taking the time to post these amazing stories, and wonderful things on your blog. You are truly a blessing and I count you as my friend.
ReplyDeleteWell, I was just talking with someone about this recently. I like the way you explained it. Simple, straight forward and on point. Thank you!! ✝️🛐
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