Don Tack wanted to know what life was like for homeless people. So he concealed his identity and went to live on the streets of his city. He found out that food and shelter were offered by many organizations. At one shelter he could spend the night if he listened to a sermon beforehand. He appreciated the guest speakers message and wanted to talk with him afterward. But as Don reached out to shake the mans hand and asked if he could talk with him, the speaker walked right past him as if he didnt exist.
Don learned that what was missing most in ministry to the homeless in his area were people who were willing to build relationships. So he began an organization called Servants Center to offer help through friendship.
What Don encountered at the shelter was the opposite of what the people who heard the apostle Paul experienced. When he shared the gospel, he gave himself too. He testified in his letter to the Thessalonians, We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us (1 Thess. 2:8). He said, We were gentle among you, like a mother (v.7).
In our service for the Lord, do we share not just our words or money but our time and friendship?
Thank you for re-posting ODB, Mayor. It is the perfect way to start our day.
I’m sorry that I failed to get the new thread up last night.