A Mouth Full of Pistachios
Generosity is not restricted to wealth; it also refers to our talents, friendships and willingness to help others.
While l engaged officially in street-side Sunday school with the bishop's blessings, I had no idea of the wonderful rewards and satisfaction that would come from doing it. Yes, I caught Chikungunya and the Zika virus from exposure to the many mosquitoes, but it was the dream as my head laid on my pillow one quiet night that motivated me to participate in this ministry. Standing in front of a giant-pistachio tree, a voice spoke audibly, "don't pick the green pistachios, but pick as many of the ripe ones as you like."
Pistachio reminds us to harmonize our needs with our resources, which allows us to be more generous with ourselves and others.
In some cultures the pistachio nut is a symbol of health, happiness, and blessings. They are often given as gifts during holiday seasons and special occasions. In China, they call it the “happy nut”.
“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalms 71:8)
From the moment I was obedient to the call, outside the four-walls, harvesting young souls from the inner-city community for Christ my entire life was transformed.
At first the community was unkind to us. Many people angrily expressed disgust and said that we(the church) didn't care about them, as we drove flashy cars and wore nice suits. However, week after week we persisted until it paid off. We became that constant evangelistic tool, and the community gradually accepted us. Prayer requests increased, love packages of groceries and other gifts were welcomed and 5 locations were established with chairs for Sunday school. The church grew.
More were the children from the community, than those of the few saints, at our regular Sunday school. On first Sundays we invited the 5 locations into the sanctuary. The church was in overflow mode, bursting at the seams.
During altar calls I would walk the aisles inviting, or praying on spot, for those who were shy to walk up to the front. One Sunday I asked a teenage girl if she wanted to accept Jesus, she told me that she knew me, that she saw us walking and praying in her community, and that is why she decided to attend church. Yes!, a ripe Pistachio!
God has a wonderful sense of timing and he uses different situations to bring out testimonials of overwhelming Joy.
The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few. The street side Sunday school had some challenges, one of which was getting saints to teach in the street ministry. Most Christians prefer the comfort inside the church walls where they feed and get fat. Nevertheless, the faithful few made a big deposit in these little souls for God's Kingdom.
Many of these young people got saved and are currently living for God. Some have even taken their family to church, or have had family members get saved through their living testimony.
This is a reminder that God can use us in many different ways. We can give financially to the building of the kingdom of God, but we can also give of ourselves by sharing our lives with others. I am also reminded that when God places a burden for the lost on our hearts, whether through a dream. A sermon, a song, or whatever way he uses, we should make ourselves available to be used by him.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my God and my salvation. (Psalm 19:14)
Marcel and Jackie Bruff
@walkgoodinchrist
Comments