being available to serve others
My name is Katie Wilson and I am humbly honored to say I am one of the newest staff members of Lincoln Village Ministry. When asked to write this article, I was overjoyed to share some of my story and how Christ leaned down, held me by the face and began to transform me by His loving gaze. Christ captured my heart at the age of 8 at a Billy Graham Crusade. I wish I could say that was the beginning of a life sold out to my Savior, but sadly I chose the worn out road, not the “road less traveled” for many years.
God placing me at Lincoln Village Ministry is enough to knock me face down in sweet, speechless gratitude to a Savior that truly is a master of using broken vessels to shine His glory! As I sit in the parking lot of Chapman Middle School, I am praying over the land, staff and children, the book of Nehemiah opened in my lap. “The God of Heaven will give us success. We His servants will start rebuilding!” (Neh. 2:20) The good work is begun, but more laborers are always needed.
Walking into the school, a little scared and nervous, our team entered a meeting. Our presence was welcomed and we were extended an open invitation to come be with them, help where help was needed, and love unconditionally. Two young girls waited outside the office and we were immediately blessed with an opportunity to serve. As I introduced myself to my new friend, she looked at me skeptically. “Why is this random lady taking me outside to talk to me?”, had to be running through her head. As we simply talked and asked each other questions, sharing a laugh and establishing genuine interest, we then moved into what was causing the behaviors that called for repeated discipline referrals. As I listened, I prayed to see her heart and that she would see mine. We talked about respect and kindness and moved inside to offer her teacher a well needed apology. The teacher was receptive and grateful that her student saw and wanted to change the unruly behavior. She encouraged the girl and commended her for her leadership qualities. The discipline referral was taken back, another chance was given, and the tears began to fall.
For ten minutes she cried with me and never said a word. Finally, she spoke of her 9 year old brother. She wanted to be a role model for him. We dried tears, hugged and started a friendship. I am continuing to encourage and build her up through supportive communication, school visits to let her know I care and believe in her, attendance at a Pep Rally to let her know her world is important to me, and constant prayer! The gift of Presence! What a blessing I would have missed if I had not simply been available and walked through a middle school door!
He is calling us all. He is waiting for us to simply ask. “Call on Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3). Here is His answer, “Feed My lambs….Take care of My sheep.” (John 21:15,17) This call is for all of us. However, it can take on many different expressions, depending on the specific gifts God has entrusted to us. And “No”, you are not exempt from having a gift. Scripture says that we all do and we had better be using them!
If He can use a mess like me, get ready! Roll around in His Grace! Say “Yes” to His irresistible pull on your heart! It has Kingdom purpose no matter how small it may seem to you.
“Lord, let us shine before men that they may see any good we do and praise You, Father in Heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) It is all about HIM!