Ways to be a light in a dark world

When I was in College at Purdue, I was involved with an organization called Worldwide Discipleship Association. (WDA) The group was similar to Campus Crusade, but rather being focused on evangelism, WDA focused on discipling Christians. They wanted us to be Christians who after graduation could be lay leaders in our churches. There were many ways that we were discipled...Bible Studies, leading Bible Studies, Leadership meetings, weekend retreats and meeting one on one with a staff member.

One time in a leadership meeting we took a spiritual gifts test to find out exactly what our gifts are. Of course everyone's were different, yet we are all called to the same thing: Sharing God's love with people. One of the staff members Kevin Scott introduced us to a way to do it: Servant Evangelism. We would do service projects and when asked why were were doing it we would respond "just to show you God's love in a practical way." One of the ones we did that sticks out the most was on a Saturday morning we hit the big party area of town and knocked on people's doors asking if we could take out their trash for them. After collecting their bags of beer bottles, we gave them a card that told them why we were doing this and then if they had any questions to contact the number listed or come to one of our meetings. Everyone we connected with that day was shocked that we would do something like that. What an opening it gave us to share with others.

I have since realized that Servant Evangelism can also be called Life Evangelism. Living our lives to help others, to show them God's love for them. Since arriving in Hong Kong, I have been praying for my ministry with my students and have been a bit frustrated that it hasn't been developing as quickly as I like. But this last week or so, God has shown me ways that I can be ministering, but instead to the community I live in.

• My apartment doesn't have a washing machine, nor does my building. I was frustrated about this considering that they are not cheap to buy and then I would have to pay someone to install it. Of course I needed to get my laundry done in the mean time and so down the street about a block is a little laundry shop. I took my clothes down, dropped them off, tried to communicate to them that I wouldn't pick them up that evening but rather would the next day. I got my clothes the next day and didn't really think anything more about it until 3-4 days later. I was walking early in the morning to train and I see a man walking towards me with a great big smile on his face and he waved at me. I realized it was the laundry man. He recognized me (well ok, I do stick out a bit). I realized at that moment, that my lack of a washing machine was all part of God's plan. If I had a washing machine, I probably would never meet this man. Now,anytime he is at the front of his store and I walk by we wave. I visit his store about every 1-2 weeks to do laundry and even though we can't communicate very well, I am able to be a light. I'm planning on having one of the teachers at school help me with a Christmas card to him written in Chinese.
• Another person who I have come into contact with on my way to school is a Domestic Helper and the little boy she watches. Everyday I see them waiting for his school bus as I am walking to the train. These past few days I have gotten a smile back from her.
• The security staff in my building
• The workers at the 7-11
• The two old men I see every Thursday night on my way home from Bible Study
• The ladies at the salon around the corner

Please pray for me as I shine God's light in these peoples lives. Pray that my own being wouldn't get in the way and cast a shadow.