I happened to be reading in Acts just a couple days before our service projects, and verses 18-35 really stuck out to me. Paul gives this beautiful, heartfelt speech that covers what the Apostle accomplished in Christ in Asia. He looks to the near future, where he sees tribulation and affliction coming. Lovingly, he shares the truth of Christ, his boldness among them, and warns them of the challenges to come. It is a wonderful passage worth reflection. Verse 35 is what sticks out to me with what we did November 13th in the community. "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” After all the truth and deed Paul claims to his fellow believers, he closes the speech with this. If we see the Gospel, boldness in the Spirit, and morality as important, let us not forget that Paul chose to end a speech on such things with helping the weak and destitute, the downtrodden and the lowly, the hurting and the suffering. What a blessing it is to serve. We have experienced the gift of giving. Let us not forget its precious impact on everyone involved.
There were 4 opportunities to share in this gift of service Saturday: One group split logs in Suches GA for needy families trying to prepare for winter.
For another project, we sent a group to help Brenda in Blue Ridge, GA. She has many projects for her home trailer that need to be done, and this time, we worked on remodeling her bathroom. Our guys got to pray with her through tears. Let the Lord minister to this woman. Amen!
For the third project, I personally went to Blairsville to help a lovely woman named Mattie, who lost her husband and is going blind in one eye. She isn't able to do much physically, but what a blessing she is spiritually. She is so strong in the Lord, so heartfelt, and so wise. Landscaping helped to make her place look much better.
Charlotte out of Blue Ridge GA also lost her husband as early as February this year. She is also unable to do much herself and so we were able to do a ton of landscaping and yard work for her that she couldn't afford. I was particularly impressed with this group of young adults as they finished the large job in half the time I was expecting!
Thank you to those that have supported us in our community efforts! We appreciate the prayers and the funding. This year of 2021 Vessel has accomplished 22 service projects, including some one-offs we have done throughout the year. We have two more before the year is through. Thank you Jesus for the ability and desire to serve your kingdom.
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