We are meeting with Dina, the volunteer coordinator Ranger, this morning to find out what we are doing for the park.
The rest of the time we will be volunteering in the community. We plan on helping the homeless and continue helping in the flooded town of Athens, PA where after almost 2 years, there are still so many out of their homes!
Our prayer request to you is to pray for God to show us what else He wants us to do, for Him to open the doors He wants opened and for us to receive the funds we need to complete His call to us.
Please check out our photos on the photo tab above. Click here to see our newest photos from Tioga, PA.
We were able to volunteer at GAiN again this year on our way through PA. Click here to see photos.
Below is a devotion we found inspiring. Watch for our next devotion.
MISSIONARIES MINISTER BY BEING BENEVOLENT
23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. 30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15:23-33 (NIV)
A. The Situation In Jerusalem At This Time Was Grim:
- Christians were hated by the Jews.
- The Romans had just labeled the Church as an outlaw religion.
- Many believers were lower class and were often poor or slaves.
B. Paul Mobilized The Love Of The Brethren:
- Believers in Europe realized their debt to Jerusalem church.
- They took up a collection & sent it by Paul and a delegation.
- The church ministered to human needs.
C. How Do Missionaries Imitate Paul In Being Benevolent?
- They help with housing needs.
- Rebuilding homes after the Pacific Tsunami, the earthquake in Haiti, and after the many frequent hurricanes.
- They help with hunger needs.
- A Disaster Relief Feeding Unit responding after a hurricane.
- They help with medical needs.
- At one time, there was a dental clinic in The Gambia that served a population of 800,000.
D. Christ Did Not Come To Earth To Just Heal The Sick.
- He came to seek and save those who were lost.
- While He was on Earth, He could not help but be benevolent Himself and show His love to people through benevolence. So do missionaries.
- In West Africa, a volunteer optometrist gave a pair of used glasses to a former high school teacher. The Muslim man had taught until his eyesight got so bad he could no longer see to read, and then he had to quit. When he got his glasses, he also received a copy of the New Testament in his own language. He left rejoicing, saying, "I can read again! I can read this book and I want to know what it says!"
Discussion Questions
1. Ask yourself where and how you can help?
2. Can I help others by donating monetarily?
