It’s All I Have….
One of the great things about working with ARM is travelling and visiting different churches. You learn so much by worshipping with different faith communities and participating in various worship styles. This morning I went to Moundville, AL-just outside of Tuscaloosa, to a little, country church snuggled off of County Road 45- Stewart United Methodist Church. I always enjoy visiting this wonderful congregation. Walking into this church is like stepping into Grandma’s kitchen-something has been cooking in the back and everyone smiles and greets you like they have known you all of their life-like a family reunion and you are meeting your third cousins. Although it only has about 45-50 people worshipping with them, it has one of the most vibrant and spirit filled choirs I have ever heard. They sing big and it is just…well…fun!
Today was so special as I had been asked to speak about ARM, our walk, and the amazing endeavors we have this summer. I told a bit of our journey and shared a personal story about one of our families who after having a work team replace their roof, began attending a church and also now send ARM a $20 money order once a month- a huge act of faithfulness on their part. The pastor, Rev. Reba Wiley, who is a fire ball, preached on Luke 24, The Hands and Feet of Christ. It is a passage where Jesus has to show his disciples his wounds on his hands and feet because they think he is a ghost. The scars on His hands and feet, authenticated and verified who He was. She of course challenged us to be the extension of Christ’s hands and feet. I began thinking that eventhough we don’t carry the wounds from his crucifixion, we certainly should have His hands and feet…hands that love and reach out in service, and feet that are willing to carry us to where ever He calls. At the close of the service, we sang the hymn “Are You Able”, which begins “Are You Able”, said the Master, “to be crucified with me”….
After the worship service, a young girl about age 14 or 15, came up to speak with me. She was excited about the walk but told me she would be on a mission trip when we started…then she began to tear up…the second week of the walk she would be attending a camp…her tears turned into an all out sob. Somehow, the stories I shared plus the words from her pastor…but mainly the work of the Holy Spirit-grabbed her heart. As she fought back the tears trickling down her face, she handed me a $20 bill and said she wished she could do more…but that this was all she had.
My heart melted and I teared up with her, hugged her neck, and just repeated “thank you”. The story of the widow’s mite comes to mind. Jesus blessed these simple acts that were done out of complete abandon. I was touched by the faithfulness of this youth. She felt she gave so little-yet she gave it all. As we walk across Alabama, I pray we all have that kind of simple faith and give as we can. We are his hands and feet…reach out….go
Blessings and see you on the walk!