Volunteers

I’m a people-watcher.  You know, one of those who doesn’t mind a wait in a crowded airport because there is a never-ending procession of interesting people and stories to be played out.  I’ve learned a lot about our SFBC Volunteers recently, just by watching.  They go above and beyond, which is an ideal not always achieved for paid staff let alone those whose every minute is precious and freely given, with no expectation of human recompense.

In the thought-provoking quiet of the First Sunday, as I watch our Deacons serve communion, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for what our Lord did for us.  And in those moments of reflection I am humbly aware of the godly men that the Lord has called to shepherd us.  Volunteers, each one.  Men with families, jobs, heartaches, joys, struggles and victories; men with busy schedules and active families.  Faithful men, serving with loving diligence, not only on Sunday morning but often late on weeknights in obligation to the various committees and other ministries in which they serve.

Children’s Ministries is another area where people watching reveals sweet insights.  During a recent emergency procedures drill, I heard not one complaint from Volunteers shuffling rambunctious grade-schoolers, reticent toddlers, gawking preschoolers, or crying babies.  Each was tending their flock, even in the heavy drizzle of a cool Oregon morning.  Another day I saw an Awana secretary play in a corner with a child who just couldn’t maintain in a group, and another Awana volunteer speak so tenderly to a child who was out of control.  I watch the love of Christ manifest itself on a daily basis.

How many of us are aware on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings how carefully our Security Team watches out for us?  From kindly rousting homeless campers out of flower beds to attentively watching the crowds for potential issues, they roam the campus, week after week.

My people-watching catches the love on the face or in the tender touch and words of someone working with a child.  A volunteer “Nurse on Duty” recently blessed me beyond measure by solicitously tending one of our widows who felt very shaky and frightened.  And this doesn’t begin to mention those who work with youth or visit shut-ins.  There might be a few who consider volunteering a drudgery to be avoided when possible or endured when not.  But the joy of serving is so evident in most of those I encounter, and we are blessed beyond measure; surely the blessing of eternal reward cannot even be weighed!  Thank you, SFBC Volunteers!

Sherri Sperling
Children's Ministries Director

God's Appointments

Sherri and I had the privilege along with others, to go on prayer walks through West Salem.  We asked God, along with the Sports Camp prayer team, for divine appointments.  God answered!  Two times we visited an apartment complex where there were many children that we bonded with.  Some of the families were unbelievers and some were believers.  On our second trip we met a mom, "S", who has four children.  She is going through a lot and we asked for prayer for her before, during and after camp.  She is a Christian, and also a single mom, who has recently had a car accident, has a tough job, and has a messy separation with her ex.  She has to drive various rental cars while trying to purchase a replacement and seeing doctors for physical injuries.  When we met her she stammered that she had doubts God would heal her.  She knew God had good plans for her life but she couldn't wrap her mind around it in all her suffering.  She hadn't gone to church for some time.  We invited her to connect with us after checking in her kids each morning.  She and I finally did connect over coffee.  We visited for about 45 minutes at the check-in area.  She grew up without Christ and had attended two different churches in her adulthood.  She was unsure where she was headed next.  I replied that the times that are the craziest are the most productive gospel times I've known.  I invited her to come to our church that Sunday.

She didn't attend, but there were two great outcomes to this week.  One was that her oldest child received Christ!  His blue hair was a joy to witness walking out of the group as one of those who responded to the gospel message!  The other great outcome was that "S" and I became Facebook friends, and as soon as Sports Camp was over, she posted on her status, "my eldest son received Jesus, it is a great day."  Her Christian friends were amazed in the comments.  "S" wrote back, "I can't wait to come back to church this Sunday!" Her posts for a few weeks after this were filled with peace that God was giving her strength to persevere and gratitude for her children and for her blessings.  I have a Facebook friend in common with "S", another believer, who commented on her testimony that it was exactly what she needed to hear, too!  The blessing of God passes on!

In one sense I was sad to see her reconnect elsewhere, but that is her tribe and I am simply thankful that her family is drawn back into God's fold even if it means I won't necessarily cross paths with her again.

It brings tears to my eyes to think about the reach of His light into our city that Sports Camp was able to bring at such a dark moment in a family's life.  I am certain the prayers for divine appointments opened a door for His glory in this family.

--Michele Painter

More Than Just Child Care

Children’s Ministry at SFBC is so much more than “childcare”, so much more than just giving kids a place to go on Sunday morning.  We take very seriously our commitment to “maintain and facilitate various children’s programs that assist parents in training up children who know God with scriptural precision, who love God with unbridled passion, and who are fully devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Serving this congregation in that way is a privilege, and the joy is immeasurable when I can share the comments from this grandfather, a VBS Crew Leader, whose grandson attended with him, and who made a commitment to Christ!  Following is an email received from this faithful Crew Leader:

“Each year I'm overwhelmed by the un-inhibited enthusiasm our little ones have for God and our Savior Jesus Christ. The songs of praise they sing at the beginning and end of each day demonstrates how they wish to praise God with all their hearts and souls. My only wish is that there was more time in each day to have heart to heart discussions about how God wants us to live for him. Kids today have many distractions and it will be easy for them to lose focus as they grow older and their life comes more complicated. How true to the song lyrics: THE STORMS OF LIFE, THEY PUSH AND PULL. Our church needs to be the rock that never rolls and is always a place they can feel at home when home no longer feels that way.

I wasn't too surprised that my grandson has put his trust in Jesus Christ. He has been very outspoken about his belief in God and Jesus. Many times I have overheard him discussing God with his unbelieving neighbor friend. His friend does not believe in God or Jesus, but my grandson keeps telling him that He is for real, so I know that he has Jesus in his heart. Even at the park he will tell strangers that God made everything. He is not afraid to share his belief.”

John [Leverman]

First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

to respond to this email: fbc@fbcsalem.org