9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:9 – 10)
Theme: If not You, then Who?
As one of our commentators said, James’ story of service to the community is certainly inspirational and so too are the stories shared by others yesterday. For the record, James is a Deacon at Westside Community Church and not an Elder as I wrote yesterday. Thanks again to James and all who shared their stories!
Today we conclude our review of the Discipline of Service by sharing one more story. This story is about serving others in the household of faith. I am grateful that Phyllis has allowed me to tell her story.
Sometimes people in need are right under our noses and we miss them. Serving people in the church should not be overlooked, so if not you, then who?
Phyllis’ Story of Service
Phyllis manages the administrative affairs of Westside Community Church in Trinidad and keeps everyone organized. She has been participating in 40 days of Discipline since its inception almost 10 years ago. For 15 years, Phyllis has been a key contributor to an amazing ministry that caters to believers and has successfully extended its reach to non-believers. The ministry serves and encourages widows. They have 150 widows on their contact list and annually they have a Valentine’s Day “high tea” and a Christmas lunch. Throughout the year they connect widows with other widows that live nearby and they also organize outings.
One amazing result of this ministry is that the spirit of encouragement displayed, appeals to widows of other religions who end up participating and, in some instances, they decide to follow Jesus. While the pandemic has prevented the group from meeting physically recently, it hasn’t dampened the spirit of encouragement. For example, Phyllis is currently co-leading an effort to send out cards with poems to the widows for Easter.
As our passage for today states, there is a harvest for those who don’t grow weary from doing good. That “good”, can begin with serving the family of believers.
Please read the passage above and respond to the request and question below.
Request and Question:
- Please remember Phyllis in prayer.
- Do you have any lessons from serving fellow believers that other participants could benefit from?
March 17, 2021 at 5:09 am
I will pray for Phyllis.
March 17, 2021 at 9:08 am
For ten (10) years I have personally witnessed the commitment of Phyllis to serving widows across Trinidad and Tobago and some who have migrated to other nations. The story shared is accurate and powerful. There have been challenges for the small team involved in this ministry because some of the widows are not too savvy on the computer, do not always respond promptly to correspondence, call in late to confirm attendance at a function and need assistance to get to the venue. After arriving at the venue some have special needs regarding mobility at the facility. Phyllis you are a tremendous blessing to Westside Community Church and to the widows you are serving across denominational lines.
March 17, 2021 at 2:30 pm
I think I know who she is but not sure. Is she also a greeter?.
Tremendous person.
Bless her.
March 19, 2021 at 9:53 pm
Sis Phyllis is simply super! She goes beyond the call of duty and quietly gets the job done. As her former pastor’s wife, I used to remind her that there won’t be another Phyllis, even if Westside did succession planning, and they should as no-one lasts forever or is indispensable. Not only at Widows of Grace, but certainly at Westside Community Church, she serves diligently, faithfully, uncompromisingly and professionally, with humility. God bless her richly. Thanks, Sis Phyllis. We love you and are praying for you.
March 19, 2021 at 10:55 pm
Remembering the elderly especially at this time is very important. Sure, we must and we do observe all protocols at all times but particularly when with senior citizens.
I consider it not only service but an honour to visit an elderly sister who is undoubtedly very committed, faithful and supportive in every way at church but who can no longer attend because of the pandemic. Though my/our visits are not weekly (for wisdom sake and given our schedules), we endeavour to spend about 45 mins -1 hour, fortnightly if possible, to share with her, encourage her in the Lord, bring her joy and tangible expressions of our love and appreciation for her. It means a lot to her, to her family and to us as we must never forget those who laboured among us. Honestly, sometimes when no one else was there for prayer she was ALWAYS there to pray with pastor, and not only that but she never missed anything at church, near church or far away from church. I’d encourage others especially at this time to remember the elderly and others who might feel or be lonely and simply need others to reach out to them. I’m not saying this sister is forgotten (as I know occasionally she is visited) but I’m simply saying let’s not forget those who need us now. Simply serve as a faithful steward/stewardess.