Ministry isn't just in Mexico

Often, when we are in the states, it's easy to forget that the Lord has called us to ministry here, as well. We get so caught up in "working for the ministry" that we forget to minister. Thankfully, this year, the Lord has kept his hand on us, and has shown us that we can minister even in the most innocent of situations.

A few weeks ago, we met our friends in Las Cruces. An older couple, they recently started serving in their church and were bubbling over excitedly with the joy they received by serving other believers. It is always such a blessing to see this in people who finally start stepping out of their comfort zone and enjoy the blessing God wishes to bestow on those who bless others.

As we conversed, the couple shared with is their past. They had been RV'ers, travelling from church to church, and because of this, had become avid Television-Pastor fans. They had specific pastors they enjoyed. After starting to come to their current church, they spent a while only hearing the word of God through the television, as they were not dedicated to one place to worship.

Joshua, in his usual joking manner, laughed, "Now, there's a unique way to escape making relationships!"

We all laughed, and the family continued to share with us how after serving in a particular event in the church, they were so blessed. It was the first time they had moved from being spectators in church, to participants.

The next week, the woman caught Joshua by the arm. "You said something that I will never forget at my house the other night." Joshua thought, "oh, you dummy, what did you say this time?!" She said, "You were right. Television church is an excellent way to escape making relationships. But after [the church event], I was so excited to meet so many young and old people working together, and fellowshipping with them, that now I know what I was missing in real church!"

Television church is a great supplement to your walk with the Lord. Teachers like Charles Stanley, Josh McDowell, Chuck Smith, D. James Kennedy, and John McArthur have led many to the Lord through their televised services and programs, and have encouraged so many believers to deepen their walk with God. But Television Church is not real church. The Holy Spirit has given every born-again believer a gift to share with people in a church. You can't do that through a television set. That's why it's so important to be plugged into an actual body of believers. Don't just be a spectator - be a participant! If there is a Vacation Bible School, offer to pass out the kool-aid to the children during snack time. Or offer to clean the church before services on Sundays or midweek services. Or make a note of the people who are sick on Sunday, and take them a homemade soup or meal on Monday with a card of encouragement. There are so many ways to serve a body of Christ, but you have to step out of your living room to do it.

This woman's testimony encouraged me, and I hope it has edified you, as well.