“Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.” Philippians 2:16-18 (NLT)
Gary Gilliland watched joyfully as Jean-Emile walked around on his new crutches, talking and laughing with the other kids. After lunch, he watched Jean-Emile go with them to the beach. What a joy for Gary! Later, they rejoiced together in the evening worship and “after-glow” fellowship meeting.
Last year, Gary’s pastor had suggested that he get involved in a youth mission trip to Haiti. Gary had lost his left leg in an automobile accident the summer before. The pastor said, “You will have much in common with those kids and perhaps you can give some of yourself to them.” With his hands tightly clenched, Gary had seriously doubted the wisdom of it but after much prayer, he decided that it was what he should do.
The first time Gary saw this young Haitian, Jean-Emile was sitting on the ground. He was a paraplegic who depended on others to move him around. Finally, with lots of urging and encouragement, Gary had brought Jean-Emile to the youth camp, but he only sat on a bench and watched the other kids have fun. All further efforts to encourage him fell on deaf ears. After returning home, Gary raised money and shipped a wheelchair to Jean-Emile. Then, just six months back, Gary had told Jean-Emile’s story at church and someone had donated enough money to get him a pair of crutches.
As Gary surveyed the group of kids in fellowship together, he thought, “We are never more like God than when we give of ourselves.” He had encouraged these kids and other people about their disabilities. Yet, it never seemed to impact them very much. Evidently, all they needed was some practical devices and a piece of himself.
Dear Father, thank you for pouring out yourself to us and for us. Empower us to give of ourselves in ministry to others. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in pouring out yourself in service,
