Ministry -- My Definition or God's

Our time here has been quite different than I expected . . . for me. Sometimes I feel like I haven't had any ministry while here, yet I know I have. It's in the defining of the word ministry that I get hung up. How often have I thought that if I’m not serving in a big way, I’m not really serving; or if I’m not making a significant impact, I’m not truly in ministry.

Admittedly, I came here with my own preconceived idea of what I would do for the Lord and the many ways He would use me in the various offices around Kijabe station because of my secretarial skills, and . . . and . . . and. Of course, I was more subtle and pious about it than that, but the truth remains. So, what have I really done? What tangible results do I see? Afterall, all I’ve really done on a consistent basis is attend Gene’s class. How have I accomplished much of anything for anyone?

I’m just here!

“Are you thinking right now that somebody else is better qualified for that short-term mission assignment? For that leadership training group? For that community service? Are you a wife and homemaker who feels that your contribution to God’s service is not noteworthy? Do you see other people as special or called or talented? You may be missing a ministry opportunity that is right there in front of you. You may be in the very midst of a ministry and not even realize it. . . . Your ministry may be to just two or three people and that’s all. Don’t discount that. . . . When the call comes, will God find us ready and willing to stand for Him? Will He find in us hearts that are completely His? . . . What spot has God given you? Whatever it is, God says, ‘You’re standing before Me, and I want to use you. I want to use you as My unique spokesperson in your day and age, at this moment and time.’� [Elijah, Charles Swindoll, pp. 14-16.]

Ouch!

Yesterday was Gene's last teaching day with the students. He always closes class with prayer, but yesterday he had us all stand and hold hands, and asked 2 or 3 students to pray. Their prayers were humbling, encouraging, and full of blessing. One student thanked God that we were their teachers (yep, I was included as a teacher), and also that we had become their friends, and were like parents to them.

So, why am I here? What is my ministry, defined from the Lord’s viewpoint? A vital ministry of support -- to Gene, to the students, to a few of the offices where I did a little work -- in lots of little ways and in little things that are easily overlooked because they don't appear significant. But this IS the ministry God brought me here to do. In His way, I am His unique person in a unique ministry opportunity here in East Africa. I am blessed that He even wants to use me.