A People Called to Serve

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5: 13-14


When we moved here last September, one of the first things Scott did was meet with the principal at our neighborhood school. He asked what her vision and dreams were for the school and how a church could help her accomplish those goals. Since then we have been praying for the school (staff, teachers, students) and encouraging the teachers by sending notes and baked goods. Scott has also spent every afternoon on playground patrol- making sure that kids get home safely and that no unauthorized people come onto the campus. He also opens the "Paw Bucks" store a few days a week. (a positive reward system for the students) Needless to say, the principal, students & staff love him and are astounded of why he spends so much of his free time volunteering at the school.

He has had the opportunity to explain to them that he serves a loving God who calls us to serve others. He gets to give them a glimpse of the vision of our church to engage the community reconciling all things back to the Lord. We want to impact our community by serving them with the love of Christ.

Throughout Scott's time at the school, he has become friends with one of the coaches. He has supported the teams by driving kids to their games and cheering them on. He has even coached the soccer team when the coach couldn't make it. He has met and gained respect from many of the middle school boys & girls. And through serving, God opened an opportunity that we never envisioned or expected.

Last night we rented out the Wicker Park field house for a Friday night youth event. We were blessed to have seven youth students & five children come for pizza, wii games, and basketball. We are going to continue this every Friday night and pray that students will come and be changed by the life and words of Jesus. Please pray with us as we reach out to the kids in our neighborhood.

Last night Scott and I were talking about how we never imagined this opportunity coming our way. Yet, when we obey Christ and serve His people, I believe He will open doors and move in ways we never dreamed of. As believers, we are people that are called to serve & love others. When we do this in prayer  I believe God will move in our lives and others.

Lord, help us serve others wholeheartedly and with the power of your Spirit. Please use our lives to point to yours.

Scott at the Paw Bucks Store