It Is All About The One

Those who are most effective in reaching the many are those who are most passionate about reaching the one. The disciples had learned this from Jesus. Peter and John had seen Jesus with the large crowds gathering around Him. Like us, they thought the bigger the better, the more crowds, the more His name would be known. But Jesus is so unlike us. Jesus always made time for the blind beggar, the woman at the well, the man with leprosy and the list goes on. He was intentional about the “one”. 

Mercy House is a day center for people living in poverty. We see so many needs here; serious needs like hunger, shelter and literacy. We are honored to meet those needs daily on Council street and are grateful to our donors for giving us the resources to do so. And as imperative as this work is, I also believe that it is through the one on one relationships that we are building with the people of West Montgomery that are making a huge difference in helping them move forward in life. Just as Jesus made time for the “one”, we too are making time for conversations, investing in them, showing we care and making a way… this is when the Holy Spirit can really show them that we are on their side and committed to seeing them succeed. Once they can trust in the partnership we have formed, they can count on us to see them through this season of great need. We are here to bring hope through their heart break and we are here to celebrate their success but regardless of which it is, we are here. And when our neighbors can begin to count on the support that we can provide, they begin to tell others about the hope that they have. 

I think that Acts 3:6-8 brings the same message -  “1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” 

When we can show the love of Christ to someone in a consistent and encouraging way, their renewed spirit will go and tell many more people than we could ever imagine. Eyewitness testimony is always more meaningful than hearsay. Jesus preached to thousands but He was more passionate about the time He made for each of His children. We are finding our “ones” everyday at Mercy House. Through a hot meal, a set of clean clothes and some help on the computer and with a sincere heart, we are sharing God’s love in a tangible way. And we are helping them take a step and then another and then another.. All on a path out of poverty. 

God Bless,

Pastor Ken Austin