our church shares a building with a Ukrainian congregation. and some of the Ukrainian families (namely, those with Americanized teens) will attend our service as well.
one of the Ukrainian moms stopped me in the aisle after church yesterday. i’d never spoken to her before, other than a simple smile or “good morning.” but, yesterday, she grabbed my hand and held on. i knew “it” was coming, but i didn’t know what “it” was. and, by the look in her eyes, i knew “it” would involve tears, but i didn’t know why.
with the best broken english she could muster, she said that she watched me use my gifts for the Lord. that it was good. it was beautiful. and then came the tears, as she said that she prayed. she prayed for me. she prayed for me a lot.
i was floored. i wanted to drop my head below her short stature, get underneath her, elevate her… i was so humbled.
i didn’t even know her name.
i squeezed her hand said thank you with all sincerity. i said that she blessed me greatly. i said that her prayers were working. and then i hugged her so tightly. i just hugged her.
what i wanted to say was that i’ve been totally broken over leading worship at my church. i wanted to say that my small-group (none of which attend my church) has been faithfully praying for my ministry for over six weeks, and this past Thursday i told them how amazed i was that their prayers were working. i wanted to say that she had no idea how the Lord has answered her prayers as well.
but, then, i realized that she knew… she knew.
because she had been praying, too. and she GOES to my church. and she wept over what she knew.
i’m getting choked up just typing this:
if you ever have the chance, encourage those that serve in your church. they are more weary than you will ever know. you have NO idea what it will do for them. you have NO IDEA…
“with the best broken english she could muster, she said that she watched me use my gifts for the Lord. that it was good. it was beautiful. and then came the tears, as she said that she prayed. she prayed for me. she prayed for me a lot.”
Seriously. Tell me how our God is not awesome. Tell me how He doesn’t not make us and our hearts whole again.
*crickets chirping
I thought if I ever got on staff of a church that would I have full throttle reign to encourage the snot out of everyone I work with (like I do at my secular jobs).
You know what, I don’t ever have to be on staff to encourage staff. Duh!
By God’s will, it is time to take this game to another level. While the best gift is the gift that is needed at the right moment, I do have the gift of encouragement.
It is time to starting lift up those around me and let them be closer to God.
Our God is an Awesome God.
that’s great that she’s been praying for you. what a blessing.
hey — you missed a post that had a direct mandy reference.
Mandy that is a beautiful reminder of how God uses each of us to edify each other and participate in His work. I am glad your Ukrainian friend realizes her important role in the Kingdom work that is going on in your midst. I remember my first year serving as a missionary in Mexico and how I struggled because I felt like I was not able to contribute to the ministry for my inability to speak. God quickly showed me that this was not so and taught me the vital, and powerful tool of intercessory prayer. Though this was many years ago and God has moved us from inconspicuos to more conspicuous roles in His Work, to this day I love the call to intercede for the Body and the work of the Ministry of Christ.
I celebrate with you as you marvel at the Hand of God working in your lives and community. What a life He has called us into! He is marvelous.
i’m so glad she took the time to tell you. and yes, “more weary than you know”… to that i can relate.
i hope your heart feels strengthened.
Beautiful. & I’m glad that you have received all this pray & encouragement!
We have a Russian congregation that meets at our church as well, cool!
Good word.
I just love that. I got goosebumps.
Wow, that’s awesome. Thanks for sharing that.
Hi Mandy,
Sorry!
I accidently deleted your email before I could read it.
That makes my heart swell…and the lump in my throat … collide
You guys are just a burden of mine…I can’t encourage you enough to hang in there! NEVER EVER doubt your calling! Satan will try to bring you defeat and discouraement on every side (I’m only a girl…I’m not THAT good….I can’t do this anymore…ALL lies!) Stand strong! Your influence is mighty!!
Okay, you gotta stop this crying stuff!
But seriously… She could’ve spoken a complete different language and the Lord still would have ministered to you in the same way. One in Spirit! What an incredible, unforgettable moment that was Mandy!
And you are right. ENCOURAGE THOSE IN MINISTRY! It truly is a thankless job. For every positive comment there seems to be 20 negative ones quick to follow.
Mandy, thank you for this.
Love you!
and stop making me cry!