Serving
by Kristen
So, Tim is in Lincoln to serve and share the gospel with those he meets. Pray that God would lead him and the others to people who are open and willing to talk. Also, pray that those they talk to would start to build relationships with those that are living in Lincoln.
At the same time, I am at home and have a different task that God has given me. Whether Tim is here or not we try to be available to serve others. Generally, for me that means serving my kids or my kids' friends that come over. At times it may mean serving friends in my home or else where (like taking a meal to someone).
Today we got a call that a friend needs a place for him and 7 of his kids to stay Sat. overnight. Since Tim is gone I am more hesitant to accept the extra people in the house. It means doing some work cleaning up that I had not planned on. However, I do have the possibility of having a friend come over and help me out during this time. So in light of that (and in spite of the extra work) we will be having 8 extra people for the night. I guess my motto is 'If I can help then I will'. Maybe some would say I'm just inflicting pain on myself- perhaps it will bring more pain, but life is not painless and if I can ease some else's pain by serving them then that is what I want to do.
I guess that's how I look at things when Tim is gone- he his able to help people by sharing the gospel and I am willing to stay at home to take care of the kids so he can perhaps ease someone else's pain. One example of this is when Tim went to the teen retreat to teach a seminar on sharing the gospel. At first we thought he only needed to be there in the afternoon. Then we learned he was teaching the seminar twice- once in the morning and once in the afternoon- so he would be gone all day. I did not take the news very well, especially since we learned this at the last minute. When he got back from the retreat and I learned there were maybe a total of 6 teens at both of his seminars combined this added to my frustration. I saw this as a waste of time and somewhat resented him going.
However, Tim got a phone call soon after he got back and learned that one of the teens in one of his seminars took his teaching to heart and went straight to an unsaved friend that was at the retreat and shared the gospel with him. His friend prayed with him and was saved! After learning this I felt rather selfish- Tim's time away from us was certainly worth one salvation. So I am trying to keep that in mind as he is gone now to Lincoln- not only is he sharing the gospel but he is also strengthening and encouraging the believers there as well.
Comments
Kristen... you're the best!
We talked with at least 20 people today about spiritual things and shared the gospel about 3 or 4 times, I think.
We also passed out about 100 flyers to a discussion group on Tuesday called, "Jesus vs Religion".
The most amazing thing was that at the very end of the day, Teply got into a conversation with a young guy and jumped right into the gospel. The guy was very responsive and was clearly ripe for the truth. This guy, Justin, prayed to receive Christ into his life right then are there! We're pumped!!
Thanks for being a part of this in the way that God has called you to, Kristen. I wouldn't be able to do this without you.
Posted by: Tim at May 25, 2007 11:04 PMHang in there lady! Jesus is looking down on your sacrifice with a huge smile on His face... THAT is true love. Your willingness to sacrifice your life for the Gospel is uncanny, and I must say that you are an inspiration! We all appreciate you!
Posted by: Holly at May 26, 2007 11:10 PMI continue to be insanely encouraged by the quiet and sacrificial life you are content to live in the background of this grand story God is writing. Thank you so much for your example.
Posted by: Jamie at May 28, 2007 10:50 AM