As I stepped onto the Point Loma campus and caught sight of all the ministry fair booths, banners, and volunteers lining the sidewalk, I took a minute to catch my breath and reflect. I realized that I was about to be an essential part in helping people connect at my church, Rock Church. I thought back on all that has happened in my life over the last 9 months, and it put a smile on my face as joy filled every facet of my being. Here I stood as a volunteer, a ministry member, and an active participant of Rock Church when only a few months ago, I was a newcomer sitting in awe at the size of the sanctuary and the enthusiasm of everyone shouting, “Je-sus” and “Word” every time Miles held up the Bible.
That first Sunday at Rock Church was a memorable one. The energy in the sanctuary was palpable. My daughter commented after the service, “Wow, can you imagine what it’s like when he’s (Miles) actually here?” We made sure to show up the following Sunday and continued to return each consecutive week.
We decided that my husband needed to attend. He, too, was excited. The changes we’ve seen in him since then have been humbling and impactful. As my faith grew, I began to discover that some of my friends and co-workers also attended Rock Church and our bonds strengthened. I connected with people on a stronger level through God. I began to see Him in the lives of others and in everything around me.
The culmination of my “Rock Journey” occurred on June 2nd when my husband responded to the altar call. My daughter and I walked down with him from the 3rd floor balcony; it was a very surreal and powerful experience that I was happy to share with him. Everything was coming full-circle and pieces were coming together. My acceptance of the tough times I faced, as well as the joy I felt in my heart was unlike anything I’ve ever known. My understanding that blessings from God were given to empower each of us to help others and promote His Word, deepened.
I began to realize that each of us is good at something. This “something” is a gift from God intended to help others and promote His Word. Some of us can cook, others can dance or sing. We’re tasked with finding our unique gifts and use them to serve.
It was all beginning to make sense as I combed through the list of ministries, trying to find something that I could do. It stood out clearly. Down at the bottom of the list was the Writers Ministry, and it clicked. I realized I had spent my whole life writing and never thought that I could use my passion for putting words to paper to serve Him. I sent an email to the ministry leader and attended my first meeting that very night! I’ve since written two articles as part of the ministry, and seeing my name on Rock Church's website under Featured Content is something I will cherish forever as a gift from God. I was a part of Rock Church as a full-fledged member. I actively contributed by doing what I love, while serving Him in the process.
As I took my place behind the Writer’s booth during the Ministry Fair, I felt pride and ownership. I felt a sense of belonging. I wanted to share the tremendous joy I had about the amazing things God has done in my life, and encourage others to stand alongside and do the same. I met poets, folks who enjoyed writing short stories, and young people looking for mentors to guide them in aspirations of becoming writers someday. The common denominator among all of us was the passion to serve God. I met people from the Photography Ministry and from Jesus Geeks; young, friendly men who shared their passion with me for capturing beauty through pictures and in making technology available to everyone as a means to share God and their testimony. I met women from the Nutrition Ministry who help women and children have access to healthy meals. It was extremely interesting to see that each of them had a gift that they were using to serve.
So, now on to you dear reader. What is YOUR gift? What has God bestowed upon you so that you can share His message with the world? Quiet your mind and listen, it’ll come to you. And once it does, run with it! I encourage you to sign up to serve in a ministry. It will be one of the most rewarding, impactful decisions of your life. Don’t be afraid, don’t be shy, and don’t hesitate. He does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. If in doubt about where to serve, the Writers Ministry is always looking for new members and we're ready to welcome you with open arms.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
