“…but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”
Matthew 20:26b, 27
My husband and I served for several years as caretakers of Camp Hope. Since I lived on the grounds of this FWB youth camp, and since I was certified in food preparation, practicality dictated that I should serve as food coordinator—planning menus, ordering and receiving wholesale items, and scheduling volunteer helpers. I loved it; this was my niche. And every week I served the Lord and others with joy and passion. With one exception.
The first day of camp, I realized there was a problem. It was a personality conflict. I’m not sure if this woman thought I was an upstart, trying to take over a position she’d once held, or if she considered me just a young, unqualified person, but the tension was real and mounting. It was obvious, there were too many cooks in the church camp kitchen.
Puzzled as to how to resolve this conflict not of my own making, I began praying. The words from one of my children’s praise cassettes, echoed through my mind. “Make me a servant, humble and meek, Lord, let me lift up those who are weak…Make me a servant today.” Every morning that camp week found me on my knees, asking God to make me a servant to this woman and to everyone I would encounter in the kitchen that day. He was faithful. Working together that week, I came to greatly appreciate and admire this older woman who’s now in Heaven.
God moved us from the camp in 1992, but countless times since then, I’ve prayed that same prayer. It’s my prayer today as I share with you.
Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee
PRAY TOGETHER:Â Birthdays are important. Try praying for missionaries on their birthdays.
