Pastor's Heart

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." - Acts 6:1-4

Where are the Deacons of old? It was a Monday morning and I was feeling the Monday morning Blah's at the time as I walked into the First United Methodist Church of Bossier to meet with my Mentor, David Dietzel. When I entered the Church office I was greeted by an elderly woman sitting by her desk proudly with the smile of an angel who warmly greeted me with, "Good Morning young man, how may I help you?" I asked if David Dietzel was in and she told me, "I believe he is, let me check." She exited through a door and few moments later she came back and declared, "he is on the phone but will be with you momentarily." While there another elderly woman came in and sat down next to the other cheerful lady and it dawned on me, this is not the secretary of the Church. I now had a pair of lovely ladies to chatter with so I took the opportunity to ask as to what they were doing there. I learned that they were part of the "helping hands" ministry and that they volunteered on a weekly basis to help at the church with the day to day ministries. They told of the many ministries they were doing, one of them even remarked, "I had to retire, just so I could start my real job." I asked "your real job? She said, "yes, to serve the Lord, the pay isn't great but the rewards are plenty." What words of wisdom they shared that day with me. I had come to meet with my mentor and I found two new mentors that showed me the heart of ministry again. "Thank you God for these two ladies that have dedicated themselves to you, may I do the same." That is my prayer. I have to say that after my visit with these two wonderful and godly women my Monday Blah's had turned into Hallelujahs. They edified my spirit immensely and on a side note they made some mean coffee. The word deacon in the Greek means servant. A deacon was on that served. Where are the Deacon's of old, they are right here in our midst, they are the ever faithful servants of God who seek no recognition, seek no fame, seek no monetary means. The Church as we know it is for the most part a volunteer organization that requires volunteers to serve the Lord with Joy and Love. I challenge you to become a member of the "helping hands" ministry in your church. Find your place to serve and serve with a smile of an angel.

Rev. William G. Sewell