Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church
May 2016
The Spire
Sometimes it just seems that the needs of the world are too great, the political and social problems too complex and twisted, and the resources needed are too scarce to make any real difference. Sometimes I just feel so helpless in the face of such overwhelming odds that I want to just give up, bury my head in a book and pray that God does what only God can do. Of course, the longer I stay like this the more likely my frustration will turn into despair and then indifference. So each year, I make mission work a priority in an effort to shake off the cold indifference and get inoculated against affluenza. I’m not any closer to solving the world’s problems and Heaven knows the problems in Haiti are beyond my ability to describe here, but I’ve learned that if you go looking for what’s wrong you will surely find it, but if you’re willing to take the time and look closely, get your hands dirty so to speak, you’ll begin to see the seeds of hope are being planted all over the place, and that makes all the difference! In the midst of the chaos and poverty that is Haitian society, there is a real strength emerging to never give up. Despite having their country decimated by earthquakes, corrupt politicians and years of neglect, restoring hope in a better future is providing the strength needed to bring change. Even here in Mineral Wells, we’re restoring hope and sowing seeds in the lives of those decimated by abuse, financial earthquakes or simply years of neglect. I am incredibly proud of all the outreach projects here at Mt. Pleasant UMC. It is clear to me that restoring hope in a broken world is a core value of this community. Our message is clear: God is not done with us no matter the scars we bear or the problems we face. Last week, for example, I met a young woman Sara, not her real name, who came looking for help in a time of crisis. Her life as a single mom has been a personal struggle to overcome low self-esteem, isolation, and abuse. Yet she refuses to give up and continues to find ways to protect, feed and provide the best life she can for her two boys. Her story inspired me, but even more so is her desire to restore hope to other single moms facing the same challenges she did. We have met a couple of times and are beginning to sense God’s timing and Spirit is beginning to move. I believe that Sara can speak to these silent sufferers, draw them together and restore hope. If you feel called to be part of the conversation and restoring hope, please let me know. Who knows what we can do together! “Ministry means the ongoing attempt to put one’s own search for God, with all the moments of pain and joy, despair and hope, at the disposal of those who want to join this search but don’t know how. Therefore, ministry in no way is a privilege. Instead, it is the core of the Christian life. No Christian is a Christian without being a minister.” H. Nouwen Blessings,