At the beginning of October we gathered the Destiny Kids volunteers to say thank you for their incredible work of serving over the past year. It's only with the help of nearly 80 volunteers that we care for and teach the children of Destiny Church. With this diligent and faithful team we are able to share the responsibility and not overwhelm anyone. Our goal is for every volunteer to be able to participate in the adult services while serving at least once a month. Some serve more and we are grateful for that.Our luncheon turned out very well. We enjoyed a fried chicken meal that was good for the appetite and then took a glimpse of some great moments of volunteers interacting with kids by way of video. Check out the video at the end of this article!
I felt impressed of the Spirit to read the passage of scripture from Acts 20:17-37, where Paul said farewell to the Ephesian elders on his way back to Jerusalem. I wanted to remind everyone of what the Apostle Paul was convinced of and lived for in obedience to Christ who said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This type of lifestyle and ministry brought such a depth of relationship to Paul and those he led. In fact, in just three short years their relationship that was defined by giving and serving brought weeping as they prayed a final farewell prayer with Paul.
My encouragement to the "givers" that were before me was to keep giving. As God's children we are a part of an amazing family. If we love God and His people we will receive so much love in return. "Love never fails."
Our time continued as Doug Pitman shared some words of appreciation and several volunteers also shared some encouraging testimonies. Jeff Stevens reassured everyone present that as we build the kingdom of God here at Destiny, God will build our families as well. It was a meaningful time for me and I hope every volunteer felt appreciated and encouraged. The best is yet to come!
I've included the passage of scripture we read together. I pray it encourages you as you serve Christ and His Church.
Acts 20:17-37 New International Version (NIV)
17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. 20You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.[a] Be shepherds of the church of God,[b] which he bought with his own blood. 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
32"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
36When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.
It is more blessed to give than to receive
written by Ted Thevaos (Children's Pastor)
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