(The following story is unusual. But it shouldn’t be. It communicates humility, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and the power of multi-generational, Great Commission-oriented ministry. Imagine how much more real church community would be if stories like this were told as standard fare on Sunday morning? As God blesses the Institute’s work, we believe stories like the one below will multiply and form a new, more vibrant ministry legacy in churches around the world. –Editor’s note)
Me, My Son, Some Trash Bags
and A Man From India |
About a year ago I started a home maintenance business: (Maintenance Plus). The mission of the business is to provide home maintenance service for homeowners...PLUS ministry to the customers....PLUS discipleship and apprenticeship for the young men that work with me...PLUS an opportunity to be with my sons to teach, train, disciple, and equip them for life. |
|
Recently a man, born in India, hired us to paint, clean, fix, and prepare his house to be sold. After 6 weeks of working and interacting with this Indian man and family, we developed a good working relationship.
In the course of working for my customers I continually look for and pray for opportunities to minister to them. After finishing a job for a customer, as God leads, I will sometimes ask them if there is anything I can pray for them about.
After we finished the job for Mr. Sarkar, I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me to ask him if there was anything I could pray about for him. After debating in my mind with the Holy Spirit, I gave in to my fears and listened to the Father of lies (Satan): "Don't ask. He will think you're a fool. He will be offended and think that you do not respect his religion. He will yell at you and tell you to leave– Lie. Lie, Lie. I bought the lies and said thank you for the opportunity to serve you, then left.
For the next week, Mr. Sarkar came to my mind every day... as did the missed opportunity and my blatant disobedience to the Holy Spirit's leading. One day, later, I was giving a work estimate to a neighbor of Mr. Sarkar. In the course of the conversation this neighbor gave evidence that she was a Christian. I told her that I was also. She proceeded to tell me that she has been praying for Mr. Sakar and family for a number of years. She said that they had said their house and thought they had moved to Texas. As we talked, Mr. Sarkar pulled up in his driveway across the street. Immediately I thought, "Great, here is my second chance." Sad to say, after I left this customer, I looked at my work schedule for the day and once again believed the lie: "You don't have time." I went on with my "busy" day.
After lunch I was talking with God as I was up on a ladder discussing the once again "missed opportunity" of the morning. My phone rang. "Marc, can you help me out one last time?" Right then I knew God was saying: This is one last chance. "Sure, Mr. Sarkar, what can I do for you?" "Could you come haul away the remaining trash at our house?" I didn't have my trailer to haul the trash, but said I would if he could put it all in plastic garbage bags. My last stop for the day was at Mr. Sarkar's house. A stop I will not quickly, and probably never forget.
After loading a mountain of black plastic trash bags on top of my van, secured with blue tie down straps, Mr. Sarkar asked me how much he owed me. I said "Mr. Sarkar, you know my family's situation-just make a donation to our cause". "Would $25 be ok?" "Sure that would be a great blessing". He looked in his wallet and didn't have enough so his wife said she would go inside. I knew now was the time, my last chance to speak for God. "Mr. Sarkar, I generally like to ask my customers if there is anything I can pray for them about. Do you have anything I could pray for you about?" And with my seven-year-old son looking on and listening to us, he said, "Yes, happiness." He placed his hands on my shoulders, bowed his head, and his wife walked up. I explained that we were going to pray. She joined us. |
|
As I prayed, also asked God to give me a Scripture to pray that would speak to his heart, and God, I pray that Mr. Sarkar would know your truth that says, In your presence is fullness of joy ...in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen." Heads were lifted, tears were falling and hearts were supernaturally touched by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. This was a "holy moment". Embracing me, with tears streaming down his |
face, Mr. Sarkar said, "I don't understand it, but you have been a brother to me."We drove away with our van full of trash and our hearts full of joy for the opportunity to speak and pray God's Truth to a man who had been seeking happiness his whole life- only to reach dead-ends in religion, money, corporate success, family, and retirement.
As we drove home my son, Noah, asked, "What happened?" I explained, the best I could, that we had just experienced a holy moment, unlike any other moment in history. God had come down and visited with us...Maintenance PLUS... unforgettable, miraculous, holy and life changing moments.
Thanks be to God. A few weeks later I sent Mr. Sarkar a Bible. Please pray that he will find and accept the God of everlasting fulfillment and joy.
God's Word tells believers that we are a "royal priesthood". (1 Peter 2:9) We are to be the King's intermediaries... standing in the middle between God and the world. We are to minister to the people God puts in our world... wherever it may be. To love them, serve them, spiritually touch them, and if needed, haul their trash away.
Whether you are mother in a house full of kids, a businessman in an office full of executives, or a construction worker on a jobsite full of foul-mouthed pagans, God has divinely placed you. And He has a divine purpose for you. Live the mission of being "Christ" to those around you. Experience the fulfillment. Revel in the joy. Make a difference. Change your world.
Marc Jantomaso is pastor of River Rock Church in Lynchburg, VA which uses household principles in its ministry practices. He and his wife, Cari, have six children with one more on the way. |
|
