I started my first mission ministry today! I am a volunteer Christian counselor at a Christian homeless outreach center. I feel God led me here as several times in the last week, a similar subject would come up. Let me say that I am disabled, with several severe spine problems that prevent me from most types of employment, but I have my brain and my heart. I was speaking to my pastor just Monday night at a grief group about my disability and life experiences, and he asked me if I’d ever thought about being a grief counselor. I had never considered that though I had thought about lay ministry. Now Wednesday, after visiting the homeless outreach for the daily preaching only 3 times, I was approached by the ministry coordinator and asked if I would be interested in volunteering to counsel clients! In just a matter of days, God placed all these people and situations in my path to give me an opportunity to serve Him.

I was nervous this morning as I prayed and prepared for my day, but I knew I had the word in my heart, and the Holy Spirit would give me the right words to say. I’ve always had an easy time with people, and with some of my history before being saved, I can relate to the clients and some of the social problems at the center, including alcohol abuse. I realized soon after my first day visiting that is only but for the grace of God that I am not a client. I am hurting some tonight, but the joy I feel from my service to the Lord radiates my entire being. I am blessed.
I thank you Jesus for my disabilities, hardships, and multitude of trials you put in my path, because without them, I would not be able to be doing Your work today. Amen