A few months ago I asked parishioners at St. John the Divine to share their experience as well as what it meant to them to serve in our community. In response Diane Baker shared the following:
"One of the God’s blessings that I treasure the most is volunteering at West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM). For the last 18 years I have had the privilege of serving each week as lay chaplain to clients who come for various reasons. The ministry provides for a multitude of needs, including food, financial support, employment resource, ESL classes, and more (emphasis mine). As lay chaplain I have the opportunity to listen and pray for people who come from all walks of life, but all in need of sustenance.
Many come from low income backgrounds, some are homeless, some are from countries bordering the US, and some come from very far away. For those who do not speak English, a loving smile brings a smile to their face, and for those who do, we share the love of Jesus Christ with one another in testimony and prayer. It seems that those who are the most in need frequently know Him at the deepest level (emphasis mine). Their testimonies fill me to overflowing with the awareness of God’s goodness, grace, provision, and boundless love. As John 10:10 teaches, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The sharing I hear bears witness to God’s view of abundant life, which is so different from our worldly view today.
Every week brings new stories, but one I will always remember happened on my birthday.
On the day that I serve, I always pray in advance for those who are coming. Only He knows that. I always ask the Lord to use me in ways that bless them. Since it was my birthday, I also asked the Lord to bless me in a special way. Upon arrival, after praying for the other volunteers and staff, I entered the waiting room of clients. Frequently I start by seeking out the person who appears the most needy. This particular morning I saw a young man sitting in a corner with a white jacket and hoodie. He was very unclean. As we began visiting, he started quoting scripture, and kept talking about the Light of Jesus Christ. My very soul was touched, and I sat on the edge of the chair not wanting to miss a word that he said. We visited for about 15 minutes. Then he was called, and I sat stunned. I quickly left the waiting room, and hurried to call Everett [her spouse]. I told Everett, “I believe I have just been in the presence of Jesus Christ!” That was a birthday present I will never forget."
Diane Baker 2020
Diane commented that it seems that those who are the most in need frequently know Him at the deepest level. Her comment brought to mind Jesus' teaching from Matthew, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." (Matt 5:3), as well as a quote from Michael McLaren that expounds on Jesus' teaching: "When we call out for help, we are bound more powerfully to God through our needs and weakness, our unfulfilled hopes and dreams, and our anxieties and problems than we ever could have been through our joys, successes, and strengths alone. . . . [1]" It is often the fact that when we go to serve others we will, as Diane did, encounter men and women of great faith who reflect the peace and love God in ways that are clearly manifest to those around them. If you seek to grow in your faith and know God in a deep and transforming way, I commend humble service to others as a spiritual discipline. In your going you will find the One you seek.
[1] Brian D. McLaren, Naked Spirituality (HarperOne: 2011), 104.
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