I just returned from our church outreach to SaryangDo, a small island off the south coast of Korea. For one week I observed & contributed in the various ministries the church had put together; kids and youth ministries, shoe repair, massage therapy, medical clinics, hair dressing, building, repairing. It was inspiring to see such a dynamic expression of church in action! Many physical needs were met on this small island but I really believe the people experienced a picture of Jesus through the working hands & feet of His people.
Recently I was reminded that God's purpose in existing isn't actually to take care of our physical and emotional needs, he's actually most concerned about bringing glory to himself. God doesn't exist for us, we exist for God. This definitely changes my perspective and the way I approach ministry.
"the church is not a building. No, it's not even a people. It is actually the living presence of a Holy God in a fallen world. It is the tangible evidence of an invisible hope, dressed in of all the people who have found that hope." - David Jeremiah
I'm getting ready to head out to Mongolia in a few days with the youth group. Please be praying that the glory of the Lord would shine through us!
Jeremy I like what you wrote. Those who love Jesus will show that by loving His people. And you are doing that. He is worthy!
ReplyDeleteWe actually are just up the road today, arriving in DaeJeon last night. At a youth camp with a couple of thousand young people next week at Cheonan, so I feel like I can relate with you a bit.