Having previously worked as an accountant, I am amazed and humbled to be given an opportunity to direct Community Ministries here at Faith. Some of my current responsibilities include the oversight of a great community center, which incorporates the administration of a beautiful building, grounds, staff, and a host of volunteers to support its everyday use.
Although I may never have to use a scientific calculator again, there are two things which literally cause me to shake my head in awe: one, knowing that God has chosen to save me from death and destruction, and two, that He desires to use me not as an IRS agent but as an interactive agent of His grace. What do I mean when I use the phrase “agent of His grace?” In the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the followers of Christ in Corinth, he said this about the new things that have come to those who are living for Him who died and rose again on their behalf:
Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.
I am so thankful that reconciling a $200 discrepancy in the job costs of a $62 mil project is no longer what the Lord wants me to do. Or is it? Because Christ has reunited me with the God who creates and sustains, who heals and strengthens, who protects and provides, and whose compassion and grace never end, I must give my life so that I may beg others to be added to this union. (Guess I’m not done with accounting after all.)
So what does this look like in my service at the community center? Well to me it is having the privilege of talking and interacting with a diverse group of people. It is being intentional about connecting with those inside and outside the doors of a building that was developed with the greater Lafayette community in mind. It is serving and training our elite group of volunteers to also plead for the reconciliation of others. And it is being part of a team that seeks to address community needs with compassion, truth, and hope. Not only have I been given a ministry of reconciliation, but now I get to truly live the resurrected life! Over the years my heart has lead me in many different directions, but it is good that today I am learning to rightly number my days in Lafayette, Indiana. Please come visit Faith East Community Center or Faith West Fitness Center, say hello and then let us know how we might better serve you.
