One of the keys to being a servant leader is serving others by putting their needs ahead of yours. A great example of this is being a parent. When you raise a family, you learn that the needs of your children naturally come before yours. Children do not have the ability to take care of themselves. They do not have the experience to make good decisions. They are yours- so you love and nurture them and make sure they have the things needed to stay healthy and to grow and prosper.
This is an easy one. What about another tougher example. What if the person that needs help is not your child? What if they are not your relative? What if they are an adult? What if this person lives in another country? What if they don’t speak your language?
Shouldn’t matter. You were made to serve others. Unconditionally. Without strings. Everyone. Period.
This is tough stuff for someone who is used to the exchange. I give something and then get something back. This exchange can be very subtle. Often when we lead others- we still get something back, right? Is this really giving? Serving your children benefits you by benefiting your children and your family. Serving your workmates helps you while helping them. You get something back for your hard work.
Can we give without getting back? Giving in it’s purest form should be one sided- right? Give and don’t get back. If you skip the exchange, what is the great equalizer?
Kathy and I are leading a missions team to Costa Rica May 21-June 1 to minister to the poor and support the local church. We will be staying Alajuelita which is in the central valley of Costa Rica near the capital city of San Jose. This is a poor area of Costa Rica and we will be ministering in the poorest barrios (neighborhoods)- tin shacks with dirt floors. These areas are full of families and children are everywhere. We will be helping to feed the children and will spend time with the moms and the elderly. We will also be ministering at a woman’s rehab center. Drug abuse and prostitution (legal in Costa Rica), is a big problem in Costa Rica. Many women are often forced to sell themselves just to feed their families.
Missions is very important to me. I know that we are blessed beyond measure in this country and I have a burning desire to give back and serve the poor and needy. The greatest gift that we can provide those in need is the reassurance that there is a God in heaven that loves them unconditionally. Love makes all the difference. This is often all we can hold onto when we are in the toughest situation. This truth has helped me during tough times in my life. And I have seen with my own eyes what this truth can bring to a Costs Rican who feels hopeless. This is the power of the Gospel. This is what we will share on our trip to Costs Rica.
Will you please partner with me on my trip? We are trying to raise all of the funds through donations so that your money, prayers and love will actually travel with us and make a tangible impact in Costa Rica. Without leaving your house, you can be part of the work that we are doing in Central America! Any amount would be greatly appreciated. This donation is also tax deductible- the church will send you a receipt for tax purposes. You can send a check to me or you can donate on line by credit card (secure connection through Pay Pal). Below is a link to the online donation to our church- River City Church:
Please click on “one time donation” and fill out the information. This only takes a few minutes. Do it now or you will forget! (I only say this because this is what I do!). If you donate on- line please contact me (Click on “Contact” tab on this website) and tell me that you donated. I have to alert the church about your donation or your donation will NOT be appropriated to our mission trip.
I am so excited to be going to Costa Rica to spread God’s love to the poor and needy. Please give to help us fund this trip so you can be with us as we work to make a difference in the lives of those we reach. Giving them our time and our love. Taking your love to others far away. Giving unconditionally.
God bless you and your family!
So what do you think? Do you give without the exchange? Is love the great equalizer? Click on “leave a comment” and tell me what you think!
Leading by Serving 