This is Where Ministry Happens... This is Real

Christmas is a time of rejoicing, reflecting, and celebrating what Christ has done for us. A time for family to get together and enjoy the abundant life that we have in Christ.

Each year we have a “Christmas for Kids” (C4K) program for our Local Outreach families. This year was the 5^th one we've done and if I can be honest, it far exceeded my expectations and wildest dreams. 

The Lord does that, doesn’t He?

The basis of the program is to find donors in the community who are willing to sponsor a family to help fill in some gaps our economy has left vacant. This is a ministry to our parents as a tangible reminder that the Lord cares about all of their needs.

This year, because of the addition of the Hope House we were able to make some changes to the program. 

{Regarding the Hope House, a post about this new ministry site is coming, but  HERE  is a teaser video to catch you up}

Back to the point…

The most important change to C4K was pick up day. We basically had a big wrapping party. The mommas came, picked up their gifts, snacked on some Christmas goodies, and wrapped their presents. We had some friendly volunteers there to help with the wrapping and to meet new friends.

The best part about this whole shebang was how “human” it was. 

Let me explain:

I've been at my job for 6 years now. I love my job. My job is hard.

Stressful.

Overwhelming.

BUT I love my job. 

My time is split in two directions: ministry to kids in Haiti and ministry to kids here in Bell County. More and more of my time is consumed by the work here in Belton, so for the rest of this post, this is where my heart is going to focus.

It is an honor to get to love on people in the name of Jesus. 

To celebrate victories:

Good grades.

Vacations and summer breaks.

Graduation. University.

Fixed cars. New jobs.

New houses. Babies.

THIS is where ministry happens. THIS is real. 

To pray through the tough stuff:

Tests. Girl drama. Moving.

Failing grades. Being bullied. Flu season.

Behavioral problems. Lice. Suspensions. 

Self worth issues.

THIS is where ministry happens. THIS is real. 

To love someone when they are at their very end, with no where else to turn. 

Cancer. Death. Divorce.

Custody battles. Hunger. Homelessness.

Abuse. Evictions. Unplanned pregnancies.

THIS is where ministry happens. THIS is real. 

BUT, in between the best and worst, most of my ministry days are spent in the normal.

Average.  Every day.  Uniquely ordinary.

Learning new things about our kids. Our parents. Our ministry.

Trying to keep up with their new “dating” relationships (really… they're 7).

Laughing. Rolling our eyes. Holding our tongues.

Making popcorn. Jumping rope. Playing games.

Watching Frozen 1246 times.

THIS is where ministry happens. THIS is real. 

I think this is why I loved our Christmas wrapping party so much.
Cause we were wrapping gifts.
Laughing. Talking about traditions.

Passing tape, bows, and scissors across the floor.

Being sarcastic. Laughing some more.

And it solidified for me that ministry is just loving people because Jesus loves us. Not only in the ups and downs of life, but throughout the whole journey.

The hardest part of my job is when I have nothing to offer.

When all I can do is sit. And cry. And feel.all.the.feelings because I’m human and I’m a momma. 

(BTW, if you haven’t read "The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom" you’re missing out cause ugly cry).

Most of the time in ministry, I don't know what to do, so I do all of the wrong things and make things awkward. But you know one thing I can do:

Wrap presents. 

Why? Because I know how to wrap presents. I have to do it for my people, so why not help my sisters wrap for their people? 

As we sat on the floor, talking about normal stuff, it hit me how “human” ministry is. How in the everyday moments we have opportunities to love on people. In those nothing special moments. With no agendas, no tracts, no gospel presentations. Just building some relationships one bow and Christmas cookie at a time.
Because:

THIS is where ministry happens. THIS is real. 

Christmas is such a time of expectation. When kids go back to school after Christmas break, they are met with “I got an iPhone 6 for Christmas. What did you get?”

That’s where the Lord has called us to step in. To love on some mommas and daddies and grandmas who want nothing but the best for their babies. This is where we are called to be His hands and feet… to be a tangible display of God’s provision. 

This year we were able to minister to 75 families with a total of 220 kids. We were able to do this because the Lord asked over 60 families to love someone they didn't know, and won’t ever meet, by buying gifts for their children. 

What is something YOU can do today, this week, or this month for someone? 

In an everyday, average, normal setting.

With no expectations.

With no agenda other than loving someone in the name of Jesus.

Because:

THIS is where ministry happens. THIS is real. 

If you’d like more info on our Local Outreach program or if you’d like to get involved, email me at jen@hopeforthehungry.org and I’d love to give you more information.

Jen

Director of Children’s Ministries

Hope for the Hungry