We’re called to all kinds of different ministries. We’re the Body of Christ! Some of us are His hands, some of us are His feet, some of us are His eyes, some of us are His ears, and some of us are His voice.
Some of us conduct studies on the problems of poverty and slavery, and others come up with programs or ministries to alleviate those problems. If no one conducted those studies or created those ministries, I wouldn’t have heard of the problems of the poor. This is the influence of the Body of Christ!
There are a lot of people called to help and they don’t even know it yet. We don’t always know it right away. I didn’t begin to fully understand my calling until I was pitching for Colorado. I’m not sure I fully understand it yet, because I’m continually growing in it.
I know that part of my calling is to make sure that people know just how much we can do. There is so much that we can do to free the slaves, feed the hungry, bring water to the thirsty, and build homes for orphans. I’m passionate about bringing awareness of these problems to as many arenas as I can. I’m passionate because when I heard about the suffering of others, I felt it. I felt their suffering. In other words, I was called.
A lot of people want to help but they don’t know where to start. And they don’t know where to give their trust! Think about all the different well-digging organizations. Which ones can you trust? We hear about the ones that put in a well but never go back and check on it. They did their “good deed” so they stop paying attention. Then the well breaks, no one comes to fix it, and the people have to go back to drinking dirty water.
Even worse, they might not even be digging any wells! There are people that promote good in order to steal. They make a lot of promises, you give them money, and they walk. There was a guy in Oakland proclaiming Christ’s return on some particular day. He told people, “Give me tons of money so I can help promote this.” People gave up their life savings and nothing happened. Meanwhile, he ran away with their money.
That’s why I get the word out about groups that I know personally. I believe that I carry a Spirit upon me that is true and good. When I partner with a company it’s because I truly trust the people involved. I see what they’re doing and I know it’s sustainable.
I want to do my part too, and I want to do it well. I don’t want to just build a well somewhere and then forget about it. I don’t want to just build one orphanage and then say, “I built an orphanage. I’m good for my life now.” There are too many opportunities out there! How could I say I’m done? As long as I can help people, I’m going to try.
What I’ve done seems good to me. It seems like I’m on the right path. I don’t boast about what I do, because that wouldn’t make any sense. I know where my strength comes from.
It seems like I’m hearing the Spirit well. I also believe that God’s going to tell me when He wants me to change. He will tell me when He wants me to continue. I’ve got to be open to Him, and willing to let Him speak into my life and tell me what to do. So far, it’s been awesome. He’s allowed me to take part in bringing the kingdom.
More about this next time. See you Tuesday.
Jeremy Affeldt 