Mind of the Missionary
January 2020
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(Acts 20.35)
As Paul had his last visit with his dear friends of Ephesus, he reminded them of his hard work, their need to work hard to help the weak(poor), but to do so remembering a saying of Jesus that was being used in the local churches…”it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Christmas is not the only time of year in which this principle should be practiced, but it seems most emphasized now. Recently in our association, there were 3 visibly clear examples of this principle.
The first would be the Firewood Ministry of Ethelsville Baptist church. I’ve asked Bro. Jordan Lollar to share the how and the why it began as well as its growth through the years. He writes, “it started ten years ago with a few men in the brotherhood of the church seeing a need of people that burned firewood as their source of heat for the winter needing help with cutting and splitting wood. Some people were not able to split their own wood so they would have to buy it which took money away from groceries, medicine and other things. The first year there were around twenty people involved, and they hauled 18 truckloads of wood. With every load of wood that was delivered, the people were prayed with and the Gospel was shared with them.
Through the past ten years the ministry has grown tremendously. This past November there were over 35 churches represented, 142 people and 146 loads of wood delivered by 2:00pm in one day. It was amazing to see everyone working together for a common cause to help others and to show God’s love through a warm fire.
This ministry is unique to me as I have never seen another like it, and we are so blessed to be involved in it.”
The next example was Mission Pickens at Mineral Springs Baptist church. Through the leadership of Bro. David Blakney, Emelia Reece, and its volunteer team, more than 500 children received Christmas gifts. However, the ministry does more than give the gifts away, it takes time to share the Gospel of Jesus with each family member, as well as, provide hot chocolate and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Over the years, many have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Finally, the PBA Baptist Center sponsors Christmas Food boxes for needy families. 15 boxes filled with gift certificates from Piggly Wiggly and Wal-Mart were included with the regular box of food from the food pantry ministry. The Christmas Food boxes have been a great way for our PBA churches to bless others that are less fortunate.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” May this saying of Jesus always be our purpose as we serve Him during Christmas and all year round!
Until Next Month,
Bro. Lyle