ASSOCIATE PASTOR, Jim Bell
"My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
—
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
STORIES FROM THE HARVEST FIELD
We needed refrigerator space for our breakfast club program at the grade school. We had no place to put juice and yogurt, to store fruit and open containers, and the milk kept getting moved for the convenience of the school. I went shopping — one place had a nice deal on a refrigerator-freezer, but we would need to order it for delivery. Another store had a refrigerator-only — 20 % more storage space for 5% more cost. I could buy it now, load it in the truck and go. What to do?
I called our community partner in the ministry — did they foresee the need for a freezer? Should I go ahead and get the fridge only? He wasn't in his office. I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes and couldn't feel peace with the decision. I decided I could come back once I was sure.
That night I was at the church for a meeting. Jamie overheard me on the phone talking about the decision. A refrigerator had been donated that very day. We packed it up the next day, delivered and installed it, and have been modifying it for our use. The money we would have used to buy a fridge can be used to buy more granola bars and juice. And we have another story we can tell folks who wonder if God will provide for their needs. A story to tell to two appliance salesmen who had just learned of a new church in the ocmmunity that feeds hungry kids. Coincidence? Maybe this time. Maybe not.
Could I move a sofa from a home in Gurnee to a single mom in town? Sure. What I didn't know was that mom was going to donate 2 sofas to people less fortunate than herself. What I did know was that I would have a chance to meet a family in Gurnee and introduce them to a church in their community that helps meet the needs of single moms. Coincidence? maybe this time. Maybe not.
Time and again I am asked how the work of Word of Life is going and what someone can do to help. We'll need a little money here and there, an introduction to open a door of opportunity, a skilled ministry leader in certain areas. Some of us have money to spare, some don't. Some know people in strategic positions, or with needed skills. Some don't. But we all know someone who does not attend church regularly. I'm having to learn that the appliance salesman, the family with a spare sofa, the receptionist at the dealership, the banker who wants my business, are my business because they're God's business. Want to help? Join me in intriducing these folks to God who is at work meeting our needs by sharing the riches of glory with everyday creatures.
See you in the harvest field,
— Jim Bell
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for the One who promised is faithful. " — Hebrews 10:23
How to be in touch with Word of Life?
(847) 816-9653 (WOLF), 224-645-1494, wordoflife2020@sbcglobal.net, wordoflifecommunity.blogspot.com.
Currently, I’m the only person answering these phones and e-mails, and blogging once or twice a week.
How to support the ministry?
Gifts to the capital campaign
Networking introductions to community leaders
Relational introductions to unchurched folks who live in Mundelein, Grayslake, Gurnee
Prayers for guidance and strength for me:
- for God to identify leaders to share the ministry and shepherd the new flock
- for God to identify folks who need and will respond to the life we share
