Moments and Means

We can recognize that we have been called and empowered to represent our Savior, and we can take advantage of the open doors that the Lord provides for us.  Paul writes in Colossians chapter 4:
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

I think that "redeeming the time" means that we are good stewards of a resource - time - that God has given to us to use for His purposes.  When we squander opportunities that He clearly provides for us, we are not functioning in that stewardship role. He desires for us to make good decisions and exercise wisdom in the way we spend our time, so that in all things He will be glorified. And, that involves being sensitive to the needs around us.

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The Bible calls us not only to look inward - at our own hearts to make sure we are lined up with His truth - but outward, to ascertain the degree to which we are being faithful servants of Christ. Paul writes in Galatians 6:
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Paul Anderson knows what it's like to fall on hard financial times; in fact, there are many over the last 18 months who have faced loss of employment and economic struggles.  Anderson is a survivor of the financial crisis of 2008 - according to The Baptist Paper, in an article originally published in the Northwest Baptist Witness, "After 30 years as a contractor and business owner, the financial and economic collapse of 2008 hit him and his family hard. Anderson, with the support of his wife, Julie, made the decision to answer a call to ministry by first finishing his college degree and then seminary."

Paul is now the pastor of South Hill Baptist Church in Puyallup, Washington, a position he has held for over six years.  He began to look for outreach opportunities upon assuming the pastorate; the first was a partnership with a local elementary school.  The church grew numerically as it provided resources for children in need.

Then a partnership between South Hill and another local church came to be.  The article says:

South Hill partnered with nearby High Pointe Community Church for a “freezing nights” ministry that allowed homeless to sleep in the church during inclement weather and get hot meals one night a week.

The man known as "Pastor Paul" said, “God used building relationships with the homeless because of our consistency...Many were high on drugs and only wanted food to go back and do their thing, but we ministered in spite of that.”  That ministry was put on hold, though, due to COVID, and the church came up with another solution utilizing its parking lot. Since the visitors could no longer come inside, they slept in their cars, and as the article relates, "An existing program called Safe Parking Network soon presented itself, and Washington State doesn’t require a permit for open parking for cars of the homeless unless the local municipality prohibits it."

The new parking lot ministry has been used by around 40 people, and Pastor Paul is beginning to see the fruit, saying, “Two guests have asked to be baptized and three want to join the church,” adding, “We are seeing spiritual fruit through this ministry."  He also says, "God tenderized our hearts for homeless to give our services and we want to be a safe place and a legacy to embrace.”  The Network is involved in providing a safe environment. 

And, the partnership with the school has extended to the parking lot ministry. The Baptist Paper article states that, "Neighbors at the nearby elementary school have now joined in supporting the homeless ministry and held a campaign to donate 5,000 items including socks, hand warmers, hygiene items and boxes of food. Anderson encourages other church leaders to do a trial run parking lot ministry for a month and take to heart the question — 'Who is my neighbor?'”

 

Coming up, you'll hear from a ministry leader in Haiti that has answered that question.  Even though his facility was unscathed by the latest earthquake, they have become involved in reaching out to others in the island nation.  In the last few weeks, Christians have taken the initiative to enter a dangerous country and rescue people who are being trapped.  The storm that hit Louisiana yesterday provides yet another opportunity to put the principles of loving your neighbor into operation.  

So, who is my neighbor?  Those are the people who have been placed around us whom God intends for us to serve.  For the helpless, we can point to the source of ultimate help.  For the homeless, we can share about finding comfort in Christ and His eternal home.  For the hopeless, we can bring the encouragement of God's love, His truth, and His presence.  

Who has entered our "parking lot," in need of being served?  For South Hill Baptist Church, it is a literally piece of asphalt, but that may not be the type of resources that God has given you to meet the needs of the hour.  But, we know that He does provide.  He provides the moments in which we can minister in His name, and the means through we can truly exhibit the love of Christ. We can look around and be willing to see the hand of God.