Ringing the bell and asking questions
By Steve Nailor
During the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas members of our local church take turns ringing the bell for Salvation Army. In order to ensure a friendly face greets everyone who passes the kettle, six people sign up each day for 2-hour shifts.
We are a small-member church, so each of us is blessed to the ring bell often beginning in November and ending December 24th.
When I hear people tell how the Salvation Army helped them when they were in need, or when I see people dig in their pockets to give what they have, I think of the story of the Widow’s Mite (Luke 21: 1-4).
The Salvation Army exists to meet human need without discrimination. Donations benefit folks in every zip code across the U.S.
The outreach of the Salvation Army reminds me of why I believe in the mission of UM Men. We exist to meet human need, as Jesus asked us to do. We want to help men grow in Christ so others may know Christ, and we cannot do this without everyone’s help across our great church.
I am concerned that the support which has always driven men to support mission and ministry may be waning. When men are asked to be involved in ministry, “Let George do it,” is a too-common response.
We need to be reminded of our calling by God, and we need to ask some questions:
“Where are you in your ministry?
“Are you helping others and making a difference in their lives?
“Are you sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ?
“Are you helping men meet the human needs here on earth as Jesus wants you to do?
“Are you answering His call?”
While I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, I also understand this may be a difficult time for some of you. If that is the case, I pray you will find comfort in knowledge that God loves you and shows that love in the birth of his son.
Blessings to you.
Steve Nailor, president
National Association of Conference Presidents of UM Men