2nd Corinthians 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our [b]consolation also abounds through Christ.
Quickword: Ministry of Presence
I will never forget the ministry of presence extended to me by Sister Gwen Burnett some 19 years ago. I was stationed in Japan and along with my duties as Executive Officer of a Battalion, I had the great privilege of serving as Pastor of the SHA Gospel Service. It was during this time that one Sunday Night that I received word that my Mother in Georgia had suffered a Medical emergency and that she likely would not survived. My wife had the flu and was not cleared to travel. I remember sitting at the bus stop waiting on the shuttle bus to take me to the Narita Airport in Tokyo . I recall Sister Gwen pulling up, parking and sitting on the bench with me. Honestly, I don’t remember what we talked about that morning, I just remember her presence and her praying and wishing me well as I boarded the bus. Her ministry of presence that day taught me the value of being present in the lives of people at their most difficult times.
- Thank God for being the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
- Thank God for people who show up in our lives when we need them most.
- Thank God whose Grace and Mercy extended to us propels us to be present in the lives of others.
I would venture to say, all of us know of someone who is going through a difficult time, who would benefit from the ministry of presence. Today, you can visit, send a text, email or drop a card in the mail. You may feel as though you don’t have the words to say; I suggest just be present, listen if the person decides they want to talk. The ministry of presence speaks volumes and ministers to the heart and soul of persons that can’t be measured. I’m grateful for Sister Gwen and persons like her who show up and represent the Christ that is in us. I’m praying that we will connect and support one another today as we move forward in the Spirit of Jesus. Blessings!
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