About a week ago, the church we are attending put a notice in the bulletin that they were looking for help to go to a homeless shelter and serve breakfast. I wrote to the coordinator but was told they have more people than they needed already. I said that I'd like to be kept on the list as my availability is pretty flexible.
It was a little disappointing because I have felt the Lord drawing me toward doing something more meaningful than paint rooms in my spare time. I read something by Oswald Chambers a long time ago. He said that when you sense the Lord's leading on something, make as many irrevocable decisions as possible so that your actions reflect your willingness to do what God has impressed upon you.
This happen many years ago when we were praying about getting involved with youth ministry. I had been resisting for some time but one day I really felt it was what God wanted me to do. I got on the phone and called the youth pastor to tell him - there was no turning back at that point.
Last Thursday evening a group of guys, that hang out together on the 1st and 3rd Thursday nights of the month, decided to visit a friend who is in the hospital. His heart is shot and he needs a new one. The doctors had determined his heart was so bad that he was going to have to stay in the hospital until they either found him a heart of his gave out.
He'd been there two weeks prior to finding out how bad things were and his wife was staying with him 24/7. However, she needed to save some leave time for when the transplant happen so she was going back to work this week. I asked how he felt about that and he teared. He said he felt so much comfort having her there to pray whenever he got upset or worried.
I thought, OK, this is why the homeless shelter didn't work out, and I offered to sit with him this week. His wife called yesterday and said she was taking one more day off and would return to work Tuesday so I shouldn't come in today but would I come on Tuesday. I agreed and said I'd be there this morning. She just called to say they found a heart and he was scheduled for surgery at 1 PM so I should not come in.
Great news but what the heck, doesn't God want my help or what?
it's hard sometimes huh? like i wish God would just say, do this thing! this thing right here! it's not always that straightforward and clear. i guess it keeps us seeking. hey but if you're looking to do some work at a volunteer shelter, i know of one that could use some help. let me know if you want more info.
ReplyDeletewhat i meant to say was at a homeless shelter, not a volunteer shelter. don't mind me.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think I'll try to plug in at Faith Hope where the church we are attending helps out. The coordinator said he goes there a lot so I'm going to tag along and get familiar with the place.
ReplyDeleteSounds like there is a need right there with aj.
ReplyDelete