The Power of God’s Timing
When the Men’s ministry from All Nations planned to spend their yearly retreat serving people who were impacted by the Central Texas floods last summer, they were not prepared for God’s powerful timing. Just days before the mission trip, another devastating flood swept across Texas Hill Country. Originally planning to help restore and rebuild damaged homes, the mission quickly pivoted to help clean up the most recent damage done by the floodwaters. A participant in the mission trip, Mainah (pictured far left), shares, “Just when we think that we are in control, we get reminded that God is the one who holds everything. He had a plan for us to be there when we were most needed all along. We must rely on Him.”
Joining longtime partner, Texans on Mission, the men and students from All Nations worked in four homes, removing items that were impeding clean up from two of the homes and clearing damaged materials from the other two homes. While working, they connected with some of the homeowners and residents in the surrounding neighborhood, their service representing God’s love in meaningful ways. Mainah shares that while working on a local pastor’s home, people approached them out of curiosity. He says, “The pastor has been trying to reach his neighbors for some time. Because we were there serving, he now has an opportunity to connect with them that was not there before.”
After the floods this summer, the men from All Nations were unsure if they would still be able to travel to Central Texas like they originally planned. Because they made the decision to adjust their own plans to fit with God’s calling, people who may never have been open to hearing the Gospel got to see God’s love in action in their own backyards.
As Christ-followers, we have a unique opportunity to show up in spaces of loss and devastation to act as the physical representation of God’s love for all people. Whether you are packing food boxes for people in our city, sitting with someone in their grief, or traveling with a disaster relief team to provide aid, there is always a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. Mainah shares, “In the midst of tragedy, there is still hope and a chance to glorify God. Stay open to His prompting in your life and you will be blessed to see how He uses you.”
Learn how you can share God’s love in tangible ways at hppres.org/serve-our-city.
