I’ll never forget my first mission trip. I took 25 teenagers to the Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky. This is a ministry of the United Methodist Church and one of the poorest counties in America. It was originally a working farm growing hay, cows, hogs, and apple orchards to feed the hungry. In 95-degree heat, we spent a week baling hay, putting on a roof, digging out a basement to give a family of seven more space, painting, and digging up posts that had been cemented in the ground to make room for a new garden. We worked with the folks who lived there, played with their children, and we shared Jesus. It was hard work. By the end of the week we were dog-tired, sore, and worn out. These teenagers never complained or fussed. They just got caught up in the joy of serving others. The last night one of the teenagers, whose name was Mindy, said, “I’m so tired, but this is the best tired I have ever been.” You know the truth is when you are serving God and others it just feels good. It feels right, and it is. It is a good kind of tired, when you are tired after having given your life away in service to others. God has something for you to do. Go do it. I Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” Throw yourself into the work of the Master. Be a servant today. Don’t be a spectator.
– Dr. Tim Thompson