What is ministry?
Sit back and think about it… really think.
Recently, I have been learning a lot about serving where my feet are and doing ministry even if is not what I would choose for myself. Since being in Bocas del Toro, my squad and I have been serving in new, humbling ways. The YWAM base here has very little staff, and therefore does not have the man-power to run all the on-base operations. So for the past two weeks, ministry has looked like filling staff roles here on base. We have been cooking, cleaning, helping with manual labor projects, serving as hospitality, and grocery shopping. Some of us have also had the incredible opportunity to serve with children’s ministry with local indigenous children twice a week— definitely a highlight of my weeks!
For day to day ministry, I have had the opportunity to serve with the housekeeping team! Each day myself and three others clean all the bathrooms, sweep, and mop. Overall, our job is to keep the base clean, making sure it is a safe and clutter-free space.
I will be honest, the reality of my ministry has been difficult some days. It is incredibly easy to dwell on the negatives and what could be. But when I sit back and gain perspective, I realize what an honor it is to be the hands and feet of Jesus for a group of believers in such a tangible way. If it wasn’t for my squad, this base would not have the opportunity to do ministry outside of the base. Because of where the Lord has placed us, other YWAM teams have the opportunity to do other ministries. We are preparing the ground so that others can go sow and reap the seeds. And we are called to serve with a willing and joyful spirit.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me” Psalm 51:12.
Before the race, I thought of ministry as big, influential things such as: going door to door brining the Good News to those who have never heard, loving on children, praying over the sick/seeing healings, and just working with the least of these. And although this has been ministry at times throughout my race, I truly had a big picture view of what ministry looks like.
As I have been on the field for almost five months now, I have learned that ministry is so much more than these specific examples. I will admit, when I came on the field my expectations of ministry was near identical to this list. I thought that I would always get to reap the harvest, and not just sow. But ministry is so much more than what we get to experience and what we get to witness. Sometimes, ministry is preparing the ground for others to go and sow the seed. I may not always be the one getting to witness evident life change, but heck, what an honor it is to even play a small part in this even if I don’t get to see the harvest of my service!!
“The one who plays and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building” 1 Corinthians 3:8-9.
I know that many of you might have differing views about what my ministry has been recently, but I encourage you to sit and dwell on the many ways that ministry can look. There are many running parts to effective ministry— and all parts are so needed and so valuable! I am honored to serve with a squad and organization that values each and every part of the body; people that see the necessity in the small, mundane and seek to bring kingdom even there.
I will continue to serve where the Lord has placed me with joy and eagerness because I am bringing kingdom down; and I pray that you desire this posture as well.
We cannot put ministry into a box. There is more.
Also, a little update: most of my squad and I will be here in Bocas del Toro until June 16 (then heading to a final debrief). So this is our final ministry location! Please continue to pray for us, this ministry, and all those affected by it. Pray that we will live on mission and find opportunities to share His love even if it’s in the unexpected moments!
You are so right, “We cannot put ministry into a box.”!!! All of life is ministry. Thanks for the great reminder! We are continuing to pray for you and your team as you finish up in Bocas.
Every summer, except last year due to COVID, I have spent 2 weeks at the YWAM base in Ensenada with Jamie and Ronnie. My ministry was the kitchen—prep, serving, and cleaning up meals for sometimes 100 people, sometimes 20 people. No, not reaping a Gospel harvest but certainly giving staff a chance to take a day off, or giving staff a chance to serve in some more “ministerial” position. Not glamorous, often tiring, but so rewarding. Thanks, Hannah, for all you have done to bless that small YWAM staff where you are. I love you.