Someone once told me that to serve the Kingdom of God, there are preaching, teaching, and serving opportunities.  For me, preaching is definitely not in my skill set, and my faith teaching skills apply only to young children, but serving is something that I, like all of us, can do whether in small ways or in an all-encompassing role.

Years ago, I attended a Walk to Emmaus weekend and there was a talk that focused on using our gifts, given by God, for God.  In short, it said where we use our time, spend our money, and give of our talents, shows us what we really value.  That talk has stayed with me all these years. It has many times guided me to where I should be using whatever gifts God gave me. So, last summer in the midst of helping make buckets and gathering supplies, when Pastor Carlisle asked if I might be able to assist her in organizing our efforts for the collections of this mission, it seemed my answer to Pastor Carlisle and God should be yes.

There are so many amazing missions in our church, and alI are helping those in need every day!  This month we are focusing on Disaster Relief as a mission of our church.  Disaster Relief is a ministry with multiple parts. There is the collection and preparation of supplies to be used immediately in response to any disaster.  These include Personal Health Kits, Feminine Hygiene Kits, Tornado Buckets and Flood Buckets.  In addition, there is the Emergency Relief Team which is the “feet on the ground” volunteers who go where they are needed to assist after disaster strikes.

Last year when devastation hit in Kentucky our congregation was able to collect funds and supplies to prepare over 100 buckets and over 200 each of the personal health and feminine hygiene kits to send to our neighbors in need.  With the help of time given by many volunteers, both adult and youth, and many offerings of supplies and funds, our church made a difference in the lives of those who needed to feel the presence of God’s love in very basic ways.

For people who have just lost their homes, their belongings, and sometimes even the life of a loved one it is devastating!  The kits of basic health supplies and the buckets of cleaning supplies, masks, gloves, etc. can help them to start the clean-up process and maybe even give them a little hope for the future.

Early in my career in a 24/7 industry, it was often a challenge just to attend church on Sunday. But a few years later, I had a little more free time and could give an hour or two to fill a Christmas Child box, volunteer at the church fundraiser or make cookies for a prison ministry weekend. Then God allowed me to serve with Sunday School and children’s choir at a church that had both on Sunday morning before church.  When I retired and moved to TN the new chapter of Kairos Prison Ministry needed a financial secretary and I had more time.  It seemed like God just kept creating opportunities where I had time to serve. God is amazing like that!  He’s always there giving me a little nudge or opportunity. I just need to listen and say yes.

I believe there is a place for all of us to serve in God’s Kingdom whether it be in prayer, in a few minutes of kindness or an hour or two of service for those in need. Our loving God values every moment of time, every penny, and every gift we give in his service.

Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Thank you, God for encouraging me to give of what you have given me!

~Tammy Horton
Franklin First UMC Church Member & Missions Volunteer