Many times, we find where we belong through our darkest moments - So it was for me.
Why do we do the things we do? Why do we serve in the ministries we do? And why are we drawn to one over another? I believe it's life's moments, experiences, and all the trials we face along the way that help us arrive at our decision to serve.
Here at Berean, we have a wonderful ministry called the Stephen Ministry. When facing difficulty in life, it can be helpful to receive care from a confidential friend. Our volunteers in the Stephen Ministry come alongside those who are going through tough times to listen, encourage, care, and pray.
All we need is a willing heart.
For me, the decision to join the Stephen Ministry was not difficult, as I believe one of my strengths, acquired through my life experiences, is listening to others with a heart for those who are hurting.
Hurt is different for each one of us, and with all good intentions, sometimes the people closest to us are not always able to help. Such was the case with my now friend, Jane (pseudonym used for privacy).
Jane and I have been meeting once a week for about 8 years. When we first were introduced, she had been widowed for about 6 months. In those 6 months, she had incurred some health issues that made her two adult children worried about her living alone and trying to maintain a farm. Jane moved into assisted living so she could be close to her daughter, but that transition certainly was not easy. Leaving a farm on the Canadian border and moving to an assisted living facility was overwhelming.
With her family still in the grieving process, Jane didn't want to burden her daughter. Instead, she allowed me to come alongside her as a friend. Being able to sit with Jane, many times in silence or simply just to listen, was very important to her.
God works through our surrender.
From those moments of sitting and listening, I was able to help Jane walk through some of the issues she felt were before her. Walking through the challenges with Jane has been (I know this sounds cliché) a blessing to me.
So why do I do the things I do? Why do I serve in the Stephen Ministry? The answer is simple.
There is no greater feeling than watching the joy come back into a person's life.
Joy like that can only be restored when we step out by faith and allow God to use us to be his hands and feet to people in need. God simply desires our surrender, but he will do the work of restoring the joy!
Consider these verses.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10).
God uniquely created each one of us for a purpose. Before we were even born, he already had a special plan for us. He gave each of us different gifts that we can use to love one another and bring honor to him.
God wants to use you to share hope.
So, what are your passions? What are your talents and abilities? What life experiences have shaped you and prepared you for a purpose? Every day, you likely cross paths with many different people. Will you allow God to use you to share the hope of Jesus with those around you? Whether you volunteer in the Stephen Ministry, give of your time and talents to serve in a different kind of program, or you simply are present as a listening ear to those you see every day, your gifts are needed!
To learn more about the Stephen Ministry and other opportunities to give or receive care and support at Berean, click here.
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