Lighting Up Our City Video 8: Creating a Culture of Evangelismનમૂનો

“For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me…Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:35, 40)

There is something incredibly special about people in the Midwest. I don’t mean to disparage people who live in other parts of the country. However, I have never experienced caring and community as strongly as I have there.

The best examples occur in the wake of a natural disaster, particularly a tornado or flood, because both happen frequently in the Midwest. When a tornado hits a neighborhood or small town, people come together to help their neighbors in need. The very day of the disaster, volunteers sign up to clear rubble the next morning. They gather early in the morning and get to work, bringing all the tools needed to help. Food banks and shelters are open. People donate generously from what they have to help those who have lost everything. Instead of simply saying, “You will be in my thoughts and prayers,” they show up and demonstrate the love of Jesus to those who have experienced devastating loss.

In these times, we put Jesus on display in our loving and caring for our neighbor. However, we do not have to wait for a natural disaster to meet the needs of others in our community. We can help feed the hungry at the local soup kitchen, treating the patrons with dignity and respect because they are children of God. We can bring a meal or help care for someone’s children while they undergo medical treatment. We can visit those who are isolated and alone.

This is who Jesus said would have a place in the kingdom of God: the person who ministers to others in their hunger, thirst, nakedness, loneliness, sickness, and incarceration. When we minister to people in the middle of their pain and suffering, we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We get to serve Him by serving them.

So, let us open our eyes to see the needs of the people around us. We can put our love for Jesus on display by joining Jesus in helping others encounter Jesus. We can preach the gospel not only through our words but through our actions.

By Teresa Baumbach