Tuesday of Week Four
A Living Sanctuary With You
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
—Hebrews 13:16
My parents dragged me to church and emphasized the importance of working hard to support one’s family, promising that such dedication would lead to a fulfilling life. By the age of thirty-five, I found myself working over twelve hours a day, six to seven days a week, which resulted in missing much of a decade. I had a wife, three children, a nice home, a dog, and a cat. I believed I was prioritizing what mattered most.
In 1991, the Methodist Central Conference organized its inaugural conference-wide mission trip to St. Joseph, MO. I was invited to accompany our church’s youth group, although my children were too young to participate. Initially, I informed our church leader that due to my demanding work schedule, I probably could not go, but I prayed about it. Shortly thereafter, my company granted the founding members an additional week of vacation. With this newfound time off, I arranged to join the mission trip, and my company generously rented the necessary work trailer for our construction supplies and tools.
That week in St. Joseph profoundly impacted my life and my understanding of serving God’s purpose. Upon arrival, our team began cleaning up after significant flooding in the area. Observing a group of young individuals repairing a severely damaged community, I quickly realized we were aiding in the community’s recovery. A local missionary met with our mission trip leadership, highlighting that the region had many unemployed skilled craftsmen who could perform the work we were undertaking. He emphasized that if we did not focus on sharing God’s love, we were missing our true calling.
Twenty years and over fifteen mission trips later, I still cherish the memories of that initial trip. I have learned that giving to others and loving them has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Although mission work is challenging, often involving tough conditions and little rest, the rewards to God’s family are transformative and everlasting. I find peace in serving others.
Lord prepare us to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving I want to be a living sanctuary for you!
Author: Steve Smiley
Personal Reflection:
Think about a time when someone’s kindness impacted your life. How did it make you feel? How can you extend that same love to someone else?
Daily Action:
Pray about how you can help in the mission’s ministry at your church. Can you help with Hobo Breakfast, or maybe sign up for their next mission trip?
