Johnhwilburn.com

Sunday morning, I got a text from a young lady telling me that she and her sister wouldn’t be coming to church since they both had the flu. On Monday I checked in to make sure they didn’t need anything like medication, and she told me everything was fine.

A few hours later her sister texted to say they had run out of meds (thought they had more) and asked if I could pick some up for them.

After a quick trip to the store I was able to drop of the meds

that was a small thing…..

but they will remember it.

In October I wrote a post about the randomness of ministry (you can read it here). It focused on the idea that we view ministry as being large things that attract a lot of attention. But the truth is, ministry is often small day-to-day things.

When we are faithful in those day-to-day things it speaks deeply to people even though they aren’t large. Because in a time of need we come to help, setting aside or needs so that they can be ministered to.

Looking back people won’t remember the big things like our sermons or outreaches

1. they will remember you bringing bleach and insect repellant because your porch is covered with flys (a neighbour owns goats, this draws them
2. they will remember you buying their medication
3. They will remember you giving them a ride home in the rain because they loaned their umbrella out to someone else

I can remember sitting in a service of a missionary who would soon be leaving the field. Friends stood up and one by one gave testimonies about how the Lord used that couple in their lives. A young man stood up and in tears talked about how the pastor had cut his yard as a surprise.

it was a small thing

but it meant the world to him.

Sometimes we can become so fixated on the big ministry opportunities that we forget people won’t fondly remember those big things.

They will remember the day we brought them flu medication..