I’ve been volunteering at the Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga since July of 2012. I play the harp for the preemies which has been proven to have scientific benefits to help relax them and therefore increase their saturation levels (oxygen intake levels). It’s been an amazing thing to play on average about 30 miracles every week.
However there have been sad days. It’s not easy to see such tiny little babies hooked up to feeding tubes, monitors, IVs and breathing machines. Of course we are so thankful and blessed to be in a country where we can receive this care, but it’s not so wonderful when you baby is on the receiving end. When parents are supposed to be experiencing the happiness of their new baby their lives take a u-turn and suddenly they are in a hospital surrounded by professionals that are monitoring their baby’s every breath and heartbeat. I count myself so privileged that as a professional harpist I can offer soothing sounds. It’s been a blessing to so many and I have gained such fulfillment and appreciation for my musical gift.
But this blog entry is not really about the babies of the NICU. It’s about my solitude journey with God. For months when I started volunteering at the hospital people would tell me that it was a great ministry that I was doing. But in my mind I thought, ministry? Really? I don’t even really talk to anyone, how can this be a ministry? I’m not sharing the gospel or telling anyone that Jesus loves them and that He died for them. However I was wrong. The past few weeks have had me thinking. Especially since Pastor Paul’s sermon on Characteristics of a Soul Winning Church. Click on the link to listen to the sermon.
We have been reading in 2 Corinthians and several weeks ago the chapter that we focused on was Chapter 11:16-33, ‘Pauls Many Trials’. Our Pastor had four main points. They were:
Paul’s services said, “God loves you.”
Paul’s sacrifice said, “My message is true.”
Paul’s friendship said, “You Belong.”
Paul’s humility said, “I’m real.”
That got me thinking….our Pastor didn’t make any points about Paul’s preaching. In fact Paul was not really a good preacher and he admits in himself. He didn’t have to preach in order to show God’s love. He did many things for others and it was obvious through his actions what he stood for. Many people today are wandering around feeling hopeless and lost. I want to give people hope and volunteering my services says, “God loves you” and it’s a sacrifice that says, “God’s message is true”. It’s also humbling to be volunteering as a professional which says, “I’m real”. So I do have a ministry after all! This was a huge ‘ah ha!’ for me because I have looked at ministry as sharing the gospel but that’s only a small portion of what ministry is!
In 2 Corinthians 9 it talks about how practical needs were met and as a result the people were able to make an expression of thanks to God and pray for the givers that blessed them. That’s an example of what ministering to others can look like.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ~ 2 Corinthians 9
I hope that I have encouraged you to look at a gift that God has given you and share it. I hope I have stirred you up to take action. You can supply the needs of others in your own unique way!
2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. ~ 2 Corinthians 9
in the clay,
Chantal Dube