by Chris Holmes
Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll reap a harvest if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9
Devotion
March 4 (march forth, get it?) 1997, twelve of us left on a plane after months of fundraising and with the full prayer support of our congregation back home. We had a sense that our safe-suburban-Sunday-morning-faith would be tested a bit as we opened up to whatever God had in store for this first and only mission trip to Zimbabwe (little did we know!). Our experience was life-changing, as it will be for each of the traveling team members.
After the work was completed and before we returned home, a community celebration was held in the tiny Maponogwe Methodist Church. The team sat on the newly constructed benches, on the newly poured concrete floor under the newly installed roof -all of which we were privileged to have helped the community construct. I will never forget the translated words of the local businessman who spoke on behalf of the whole community. He said, “We have had well-meaning missionaries come here before. They would preach to us from their Bibles, as they told us where to dig the holes. You people, are different. You leave your Bibles back in your room and get down in the mud to join us in digging the holes. Thank you for showing your faith by your action, and not just your words.”
On this Zim Trip, you are putting your faith into action, and you have undoubtedly experienced and participated in many “good works”, as the Bible passage says. I am so glad you have stepped out of your safe-suburban-Sunday-morning-comfort-zone to actively partner with the people in the community you serve, even though you will tire. In doing so, a harvest of untold blessings awaits you and them. After all, the “good works” you do are not really yours. They are simply a part of the gigantic swirl of God’s great good works to and from God’s people of faith across this wonderful planet.
Oh…, and your Bibles belong in your room. Let your “good works” do the preaching. 🙂
Prayer
Sacred Wonder, we choose to inhabit this day, risking our significance for your greater good. May we not tire in doing good, for the good we do is Yours. May our actions and our words align with You, our deepest self, and those we serve. Amen.
