Celebrating What God Is Doing!

This past week at Ministry Monday, we spent some time talking about how to appropriately recognize individuals’ efforts in ministry.  This discussion is always challenges for me because my experience is that people don’t want too much attention drawn to what they do for God… maybe because of the passage that says not to let your left hand know what your right is doing (Matthew 6:3 –in regard to giving to those in need).

At one point in a past ministry, we changed the focus from volunteer appreciation to God celebration.  The impact on all of us who served was amazing.  We wanted to see what God had done through our efforts. 
Well, this past weekend was filled with many opportunities with the OCC Craft and Work Night, 500 Turkeys food collection, Sit and Savor lunch, Prayer for the Persecuted Church, and Kairos Prison Ministry.  Many people participated in these events and that doesn’t mention, those who taught Sunday, sang, served at the Coffee Bar, sound booth, visual computer, cleaned, and the list could go on and on.
Scripture assures us that each of us is a necessary part of the body and when one part suffers, every part suffers (1 Corinthians 12:18, 26).  So with that, all are appreciated, but what are we celebrating that God has done?

• Well, in an hour and a half, over 120 toys were made, 100 coloring books assembled, 100 notepad created, and hard candy/washcloths and soaps were all packaged to share God’s love with kids around the world.
• A welcoming environment was created where people could here God’s Word, sing praises in worship… both in the Life Bridge building and via the web!
• Community was built as we shared lunch together at the Luncheon.  Many of you blessed Pete and I , and Frank and Tricia, by sharing what God has done in your lives through Life Bridge and the ministry here.
• God has opened our eyes more to how He works through hard times and even persecution.  We have shared not only in the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the world but have prayed for their strength and endurance.  We have prayed that God is glorified through them and that it reaps an eternal return in the lives of their persecutors.
• People and organizations continue to step up to meet physical needs of food through 500 Turkeys in the name of Christ.
• Inmates will be strongly reminded that they are not forgotten by God or by us, as men reach out in the love of Christ.
• This isn’t even touching on the divine appointments that God has for each of us each day as we choose to reflect Him in our lives, marriages, families, and relationships at work and at school.

God is doing incredible work through each of us… planting seeds around the world, in our church, in our community, and in our prisons… and so much more…  What are you celebrating that you have seen God do?