In Matthew chapter 28 we find these words. Jesus came and told his disciple’s, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Recently, we have gone through a lot of rain (and I mean a LOT), and a Houston radio station wanted to know how the homeless were surviving under difficult circumstances. They interviewed Victor.
Victor is always positive.
He knows where to go to stay dry, and he knows where to go to sleep without being robbed.
And Victor knows a lot about people; many times he even knows what they are thinking.
He knows God takes care of his needs every day, and he never complains about anything.
On the day of this interview, the only thing he had in the way of food was some ketchup packets from a Popeye’s Chicken store. Yet, he also knew that all he needed was something to go with the ketchup and he would be satisfied.
Victor knows several intersections to go to for handouts, and he knows where not to go. The local city government passed an ordinance prohibiting anyone from going downtown to give food or clothing to the homeless, so Victor, along with many others who are homeless, hungry, and in need, stay away of many areas downtown for fear of being arrested.
Yet, Victor never utters a curse word or negative word about anyone. He is thankful for what God provides, and he respects the rights of others. He doesn’t drink or use drugs. He helps local businesses by picking up trash in front of their buildings and asks nothing in return.
And many people know Victor and help him when they can.
Do you have Victors in your community?
Do you think that God is affording us the opportunity to serve others no matter where they are or how down on their luck they may seem?
What happens when the Victors disappear?
Victor knows that God is with him even until the end of the age.
Is your ministry a servant leadership ministry where you change lives and make disciples for Jesus Christ. They might even be Victor.
Dan Ramsey, president
National Association of Conference Presidents