The calendar for 2006 is getting fuller every day, which is absolutely wonderful with one exception, we need help. That sounds odd doesn’t it? If I had just been told that, my first thought would be "that is why we pay Terry." And that is true, I was hired to take care of the Youth and Family Life Ministry. That got me to thinking about a passage in Exodus:
13The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"
15Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. 16Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws." 17Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him.20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." 24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves. 27Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country. (Exodus 18:13-27 NIV)
In this passage Jethro sees his son-in-law trying to do the work himself. Because of how Moses was handling things he was working from very early in the morning until late at night. I know working that much is not good on a family life because I am a recovering workaholic. Jethro then told Moses he needed help. Moses got the help he needed and now we need to get the help we need for the Youth and Family Life team. We cannot and will not grow without the added help.
What can I do?
As much or as little as you feel called to do.
How much time is this going to take? I’m already busy with work, family, and other activities.
As much or as little as you feel called to spend.
We would rather have 20 people helping when they are able for short periods of time than to have 4 people doing it all and getting burnt out. Here are some of the things that we are going to need help with in 2006:
- Hus Racing League – Die-cast racing on 2nd Saturday of every month from February to November. This does not require a commitment for every race day, just when you are able.
- Lunch devotional leader, race officials, help in the kitchen (preparing/serving snacks and lunch-proceeds are for the Youth fund), check-in table, prize table, merchandise table, etc.
- World Vision 30 Hour Famine – this will be a lock-in on a Friday evening and all day Saturday.
- Chaperones, activity leaders, help in the Prayer room, etc.
- Summer Mission Trip – this will be one of the few events that will require a commitment to a week of service as we are going out of state.
- Concert chaperones.
- Fundraising coordinators – Depending on what the fundraiser is, they will require 1 or more people.
- Middle school youth group leader(s) – this will require at least a year of commitment and if the kids like you it will be longer.
1The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV)
Joseph was but a young man, not more than 17, when he was sold into slavery and God began to use him in Egypt. Jesus started his ministry at 30. I was 37 when God called me to minister to the youth of Hus Church. Age is not relevant, as God will have you serve in whatever way he needs whether it is a few hours every now and then or a long-term commitment to a particular activity. To God be the glory!
I leave you this month with the chorus to the popular Casting Crowns song, "If We Are the Body":
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
Because of Him,
Terry and Diane
A conversation with God
Hi God. We just celebrated the birth of Your Son, Jesus. What a wonderful gift you gave us. It is the best one that anyone has ever given to us or ever will. God, we have a lot of opportunities here at Hus Church for service and we need your help in guiding people to where you want them to serve. This congregation has so many wonderful gifts, please help us to use those to Your glory. We thank you for Hus Church and all of the members (our spiritual family). In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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