Time Well Spent

The question by the Director of Boulware Mission caught me off guard – What do you get from coming to Boulware Mission?  My off the cuff answer was I get an opportunity to be the presence of Jesus at the homeless shelter.  I continued to think about her question and want to share why I invest 3-4 hours a week at a homeless shelter.

 

I have often heard people say – I give to the homeless because I always get more than I give.  While the benefits of serving those in need are too numerous to count, that answer always comes across as an arrogant and selfish mindset.

 

Let me respond from my heart.  A few years ago our church adopted the tagline that we are a missional believing community.  We are still figuring out exactly what that means in a suburban/rural context.  But being missional means we exist for others and take seriously the context people find themselves in and allow the grace of God to become a reality.  As I continue to explore the call to be missional, I am surprised at the many different opportunities that Jesus brings into my life.

 

As a disciple of Jesus, I am a servant.  Servants serve.  We are here to allow the presence of Jesus to transform our lives and the lives around us.  I have found serving through Boulware is a powerful way for God to remind those struggling in life that they are not forgotten but loved by God and God’s people.    

 

Masonville Baptist Church began relating to Boulware Mission in 2005 after one its members began his employment there.  Today our relationship includes:

Ø      Spirituality group for clients – what it means to follow Jesus

Ø      5-12 clients worshipping on Wednesday and Sundays

Ø      Led a memorial service for a client who died

Ø      Financial and meal support

 

Several former and present Boulware clients have found a home at Masonville Baptist Church and have become active in our church family.  Others have joined and left, never to be seen again.  It is amazing to see God at work and a blessing to be used by God.

 

At prayer meeting a few weeks ago, one of my friends, a former client of Boulware, gave an impromptu testimony of how blessed he was to be a part of a church that offered him acceptance and love.  I am reminded that I am a steward of my time — much of which is wasted.  I pray that i will be a better steward.