Opportunities to Serve

Joel and his family received their new home  a couple of weeks ago thanks to a team  from Ohio.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!'  Philippians 2:6-8  

Jesus chose not to use the fact that he was equal with God to his advantage, but instead 'took the very nature of a servant'! Who are we then to put ourselves before others, to try and get ahead and only do what is best for #1, when Jesus himself became a servant to others.

'Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him...When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.' John 13:3-5,12-17

This is a pretty well known story in the New Testament and it shows Jesus serving his disciples. In those times they would have worn open sandals and their feet would have been pretty disgusting when they arrived at their destination. It was the job of a Gentile. When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples it showed an amazing act of humility. Jesus always taught by example. He wants us to serve with an attitude of humility.

Teams are starting to arrive from the states to help serve our community here in La Ceiba.  Some of the ways teams come to serve is through medical teams, construction teams,  and children ministry teams. I am looking forward to meeting the teams this year and seeing what God is going to do in and through each team that comes. 

I am really looking forward to next week because my parents are coming to visit for a week.  There will be a team here from the states during their visit, which will give them an opportunity to see all the areas of ministry.