Dear Friends,
I could start by telling you how much we need your financial and prayer support, or how your contributions make it possible for young leaders to fulfill their callings. I could even go so far as to promise that God will richly bless you when you give to Kingdom business. All of this is true but I don’t want to approach the subject of giving to Life Pacific College with these kinds of appeals. In fact, I don’t want this to be an appeal whatsoever.
Like you, perhaps, I have spent the better part of my adult life ministering to others in some form or fashion. At times I have served in pastoral roles, preaching the Word, “working” the altar, or counseling the troubled. At other times, I have shared the gospel in the marketplace with bankers, businesspeople, or UPS drivers on my doorstep. However, as the years have drifted by, I have found myself more engaged in administrative matters where my pen seems to minister for me. Often this form of ministry appears to “get-er-done” but, the tangible results are suspect.
I had one of those revelation moments recently when Dr. Flores, our President, shared with me something that had been stirring in his spirit. We had been discussing how easy it is to incrementally move away from touching the lives of people to addressing agendas, making policy decisions, and building legacies. This is what leaders do. Not that these activities are necessarily bad or wrong; but I’m not so sure that these could rightfully be called “ministry.”
At that moment, I was reminded of my son, Jamie, saying to me upon his return from one of his many short-term missions trips, “I am never so full of joy than when I am ministering the love of God to others.” Out of the mouths of babes . . . albeit this baby is my 20 year-old son! Somehow, in the midst of growing leadership and administrative responsibilities over the years, I had forgotten what that sense of joy was like. Do you remember the old AT&T slogan, “Reach out and touch someone?” I discovered that I needed to do this too.
Recently, my wife, Laurie, and I started volunteering at a hot meal ministry to the homeless sponsored by our local church. There is nothing glamorous about it; I’m not making policy decisions, developing strategy, or leading anyone, unless leadership is asking, “Would you like French bread or cheese bread?” The joy is back, and I’m reenergized in ways that I had long since forgotten. I encourage you to take some time today to reach out with your life and pour it into the lives of those around you. It’ll do the “Body” good! I believe the renewed joy you experience will flow over into increased joyful giving in your local church as well as to Life Pacific College. I pray you will be blessed abundantly.
In His Gracious, Merciful Hand,
Jim Walz, Ph.D.
Director of Advancement