Community Update from Dr. Bob: 7/10/2024
As followers of Jesus we are to be servants of others. Yet what does that look like? There are so many different ways we might serve others—some of which they may find helpful and some of which they may not. A great place to start is by asking: How can I help you in this?
Yet especially in times of crisis or difficulty, people may not know what they need. If an open-ended question about how you can help is met with paralysis, you can try making an offer. Could I bring you a meal next week? Is there a specific time I can be praying for you? Or a specific thing I can be praying for? Do you have any needs around transportation that I might be able to help you with? Often giving people options where they can just respond with yes or no is helpful.
Even beyond that, sometimes you can just do something for someone without even telling them—as long as it’s nothing they may not want. For example, send flowers! But don’t give them a puppy!
Consider various ways God might be calling you to be of service to those around you and pray that God might give you discernment:
Dear Lord, give us your eyes to see all of the opportunities for service around us. Help us to consider others and what they would consider helpful and kind. Then give us the discernment to offer our help appropriately.
Help us not only to give service to others, but to allow them to give to us in turn. We all have different gifts with which we can bless each other, and we recognize that we all need help sometimes. Give us the courage to both accept and provide help appropriately as we live in community together with others.
Amen
As you’re praying, continue to keep our Forest Home campers in your prayers. Pray for God’s Spirit to work in the hearts of our kids and teens. Pray for soft and responsive hearts. Pray for great fun and lasting memories. Pray also for our volunteer leaders – may God give them wisdom, guidance, and energy throughout this week. It’s a hot week, so also be praying for everyone’s physical refreshment and opportunities to cool down!
On Monday, of course, our WinShape Day Camp kicks off. Join us also in praying for this opportunity to serve and love our neighbors. It’s not too late to register a kid. Or join in as a volunteer; you can pick your availability and interest areas. Pray for kids’ hearts to be ready to hear the good news of Jesus!
Praying with you –
Dr. Bob
