FROM THE DESK OF PASTOR WILL: Changing the World, One Foot at a Time

[Rev. William Griffith]

We take certain things for granted on a daily basis. When we wake up to the dawn we do so in the comfort of a bed and stumble out of that bed into the routine of our morning shower. After a long and grueling day doing whatever it is we're doing, we get to repeat the shower routine before bed, crawling back into the comforts of clean sheets and a refreshed body.

The homeless and those living on the streets do not enjoy the luxury of a bed or a shower. Because of the condition of their shoes, or a lack of shoes altogether, they wrap bandages around their beaten and battered feet, caked in filth, their skin broken and more often than not infected. Not quite the scene you want pictured if you're reading this over your meal. Regardless, this is the reality.

One of the necessary tools of survival for these men and women are fresh socks and a decent pair of shoes. Their feet are, perhaps, the most over exerted part of their body as they carry their backpacks or push their carts from place to place. The elements do not discriminate. The environment for these people is a daily stroll through hell on earth. It is with that in mind that, when we witness one of these who suffer the debilitating pain and erosion of their feet, we offer to wash them, nurse them and wrap them. Then we offer them new socks and a pair of shoes. This will not solve the problem. It will, quite simply, alleviate it for a time.

Aly and I have noticed the looks in the eyes of these people when we meet them for the first time or see them again, reaching out our hands to their blackened, caked own. They are always cautious the first time, and then by the second visit, they are full of handshakes, hugs and smiles. They are not accustomed to people willing to touch them, show affection or wash their feet. They seem to be experiencing love for the very first time or for the first time in a very long time.

John 13: 1-17 illustrates the humility and obedience with which we are to serve when reaching out to those most in need. This passage tells the story of how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, illustrating that His own ministry was wrapped in the cloak of a servant. He was a king. He was God. And He became flesh to come to the level of a servant. How can we call ourselves His disciples and not be willing to follow his example?

Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ is more than lip service. It is in applying His example and His teachings to our lives. It is in denying ourselves daily, picking up our cross and following Him. Believing in Him is essential, but in and of itself becomes dead faith. The Book of James tells us that "faith without works is dead, being alone".

Through our acts of love and humility, we can witness the amazingly profound work God does in the hearts and lives of these people. By serving them and meeting their needs, they see Christ at work and we see Christ in them. Now not everyone is called to this kind of service in the field. Many are called to contribute their resources or support such an outreach through financial or volunteer means. Not everyone is called to be a missionary to Kenya or India, but rather called to support them. Still, we are all a part of the same body, working in unison for the Kingdom of God in the service of the least of these. If there is anything Aly and I have learned in this area of ministry, it is how fragile and precious life is. It is a daily reminder that these people are human beings with emotions and hearts and souls, waiting to soak up any act of kindness or love like a sponge. They are also some of the most grateful, loving and kind people you will meet.

With mental illness and drug and alcohol addiction a major companion to many of these people, we trust God to deal with those things. We trust God to take our inadequate, but willing service to plant the seed of love that will change the hearts and lives of His forgotten children. Watching God work is the greatest adventure of our lives. Watching the Holy Spirit move through the dark streets and bring light to these people is the greatest honor we have ever known.

Let us, wherever we are, open our hearts to the words of Jesus Christ. Let's, together, search for His calling. If we answer that call and surrender our will in favor of His own, He will show us our world from a vantage point we've never known before. He will also allow us to witness how He can change the world through our obedience to His service. One foot at a time.

-Pastor William Griffith

 Evangel Pacific Ministries