Serving in love
Last Thursday I ran into the church building to grab some important paperwork for a meeting. I entered the building through the north door, which is unusual for me on a workday, but I’m glad I did because I got to witness a Northside servant hard at work behind the scenes. Donna Pearson was quietly preparing sandwiches for Celebrate Recovery later that evening.
Celebrate Recovery is a ministry that helps people who are hurting find Jesus and begin a journey of healing through his power. It’s a ministry that flies under the radar, and changes week to week in who, and how many attend. A crucial part of the weekly meeting is the opportunity to personally connect over snacks or a meal, and Donna has been making sure this happens for almost 8 years! Anyone who knows Donna, knows she has a servant heart, and her quiet service for CR has facilitated life changing conversations that have aided in healing the hurts, habits, and hang-ups that come from being human.
Donna and I spoke for a few minutes about her service to CR, and It made me realize how much goes on behind the scenes that makes Northside such an amazing family to be a part of. Naturally, I wanted our teens to be a part of this, so I asked if there was anything we could do to help. Donna was gracious enough to let a group of 8th grade girls share in her service last Wednesday by giving them the opportunity to help prepare the monthly meal for CR. The girls peeled and sliced potatoes, while discussing the fruit of the Spirit during small group time and got to share in the ministry of Celebrate Recovery.
By my calculations Donna has spent over 800 hours preparing food for CR over the last 8 years. If you see her, please join me in thanking her, and letting her know that this service was much more than simply preparing a meal. These meals and snacks were the reason that someone who was hurting decided to stay an extra few minutes at CR and have a life changing conversation. The food prepared by her hands, was a catalyst for someone feeling loved, and heard when that was what they desperately needed. A few of our teens got to help with a small portion of this service, and I hope they Donna’s selfless example inspires them to Glorify God by serving the body of believers in this way. Thank you, Donna!
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)