We asked a few members of the Foundry family to tell us about their experiences serving Christ in their world:
Dave Barstow – Outreach Council Leader, Prime Time Luncheon (kitchen crew), Greeter and Usher.
Since my African mission experience, which was a turning point in my life for many reasons, I really do not have concerns or hesitations serving our Lord in foreign missions, whether personal projects or church sponsored. I know God’s hand is directing me, even though I mess up His direction sometimes. I’m much more comfortable serving where the “rubber meets the road” or at the “grass roots” than in an administrative role.
Every mission trip or project brings me to a closer relationship with God and His Son. Always come away amazed at how God works in and through our lives and those we serve even though, at times, I don’t understand the “why” of conditions I find myself serving in.
What do you hope will be the lasting impact your service?
Just that———–HOPE. Hope to those we are serving, hope to those who serve; the hope of a better life, the hope of a strong relationship with God and His Son.
How do you think your service helps the community / others / etc.?
It makes the community aware of the needs of others, here at home and in foreign lands. It breaks down the wall, imagined and real, between the server and those being served. You learn about different cultures, customs, food, etc. and you share and hear the Word.
What have you learned by serving in this manner and how has it changed you?
That a truly meaningful and wonderful relationship with God is really possible no matter where you are in your walk of faith.
Dena Kania – Literacy Advance
How do you know (or did you know) this was something you were supposed to do?
One of my gifts is administration and that is what my capacity is.
How do you handle deciding between serving in this way and doing something else?
I weigh the importance.
What do you hope will be the lasting impact your service?
The establishment of a thriving literacy mission at Foundry
What would you say to others who might be hesitant to do something similar to what you are doing? Be aware of your skills and your spiritual gifts and wait for God’s nudging.
What have you learned by serving in this manner and how has it changed you?
I have learned this is one more way for me to fulfill God’s plan for me.
Steve Bellis – Bible Study Fellowship, Youth Reach, Foreign missions, Backyard Missions team.
Did you ever have any concerns or hesitations about serving?
My only hesitation has ever been about having enough time. However, I’ve learned that if God calls me to a specific ministry, He always makes the time available for me to serve.
Why do you continue to be involved in this ministry or community service center?
Because it helps me to grow spiritually so that I put others first more often. Jesus called us to put ourselves third – after God and others.
How do you know (or did you know) this was something you were supposed to do?
I am at peace about it.
What do you hope will be the lasting impact your service?
That God’s love will be seen through me and those I serve will come to know, love, and serve Christ.
What would you say to others who might be hesitant to do something similar to what you are doing?
God commands us to serve others; He doesn’t ask. I’ve found that usually when I answer His call to serve, it isn’t because I have a strong passion to do it. The passion comes once I’ve been obedient to God’s call. God has always blessed me for answering His call to serve.
What have you learned by serving in this manner and how has it changed you?
That I’m much more content when I take myself out of the center of my universe.
Linda Rucker – VBS Missions Coordinator, Judy Dierker Holiday Market Publicity Coordinator, Angel Tree Camper Hosting Coordinator, Kids’ Club Teacher, Bang Elementary Reader/Helper Parent Coordinator, Bang Elementary Library Aide
How does it make you feel when you do what you believe you have been called by God to do?
Empowered. When I first joined a church (at the age of 24), I attended a service group just to get my feet wet. I felt like a fish out-of-water, but it got me going. As I matured, I learned to listen to God in prayer, to understand my spiritual gifts, and to understand that every call for help didn’t involve me. When God has called me to something, I feel boundless energy and excitement for it. When He has not called me, I find myself fighting it all the way and finding excuses not to do what needs doing.
How do you know (or did you know) this was something you were supposed to do? The pastor of my first church instilled the principle in me that we can’t always look to the future and say that we’ll give of our money or time when we have a lot of it; but that God calls all of us to give of ourselves. It’s a habit that needs to start wherever we’re at, and then God can grow it.
How do you handle deciding between serving in this way and doing something else?
I pray about it. I ask my husband about it. I talk with friends about it. I am learning to say no when I don’t feel God’s call to something. I’m also learning that sometimes I need to take on something new and let something else go.
What do you hope will be the lasting impact your service?
I hope I will witness to my kids and others about the importance of acting out your faith. I hope that I can bless others in this lifetime, and that God will bless others for eternity through my service.
What would you say to others who might be hesitant to do something similar to what you are doing?
Just get started in something small. If you pray about it and trust in God, He’ll use you and lead you. You may not hit it right the first time, but you’ll never know until you get started. God will even work through your mistakes. I always think about one of Blackaby’s points from “Experiencing God” that God is at work all around us, all the time; it’s up to us to join in that work.
What have you learned by serving in this manner and how has it changed you?
When I feel God’s call, I know longer see service as something I’m giving up, but as a part of my life as vital as eating and sleeping. I feel privileged to have God work through me.
Mel Kieke – Mission of Yahweh, Inc., volunteer
What do you do?
I oversee the financial matters of the Mission including supervising the Bookkeeper and producing financial statements… oversee the maintenance of property by obtaining bids or directing volunteers to perform the work. Serve on their Advisory Board. Involved in personnel matters.
How does it make you feel when you do what you believe you have been called by God to do?
That I have served God on behalf of my Church and helped people in need.
What are some things you give up so you can serve?
Travel, visitation with friends and relatives and entertainment.
What was the first community service project or ministry you were involved with?
Junior Chamber of Commerce wherein I was involved in the oral polio vaccination program, Glaucoma screening for the elderly, building park shelters and other community projects.
How do you think your service helps the community?
Provides a means for homeless people to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Allow children to live a better life and become successful.
What have you learned by serving in this manner and how has it changed you?
I am less selfish and understand the needs of less fortunate people.
