Dear LifeSpring Family,
Dorothy and I recently returned from our longest mission trip to Thailand, which lasted just over a month. In our 20 years of service there, we had never stayed for more than two weeks at a time. This extended trip allowed us to serve alongside a family that included three children; aged 15, 13, and 10. We anticipated an interesting and challenging experience given the diverse age range of our team.
During this time, the Lord Jesus Christ provided powerful confirmation of the truth that we are One Body in Christ.
Romans 12:5–6 (ESV) states,
So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.
The Lord taught me three important lessons:
1. Though we are individuals with gifts that sometimes vastly differ, we are members one of another through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Our different—and sometimes vastly different—gifts exist because of the grace given to us by Christ.
3. We are called to use our gifts and be thankful for them.
On the mission trip, the roles shifted often. There were times when the children took on “supporting roles” by providing childcare during our marriage seminars. Likewise, there were times when we, the adults, were in “supporting roles,” assisting the children with their Canadian baking classes.
Whether in leading or supporting capacities, we are all of the same value within the One Body in Christ.
Grace upon grace,
Jerry