One of my earliest memories of serving others was after Hurricane Andrew. After Andrew tore through Florida, Louisiana got hit. My best friend Chad and I along with his dad loaded up a truck with ice and chainsaws and headed to the coastal regions of Louisiana to help others.
I will never forget the look on one couple’s faces. We saw several trees that had fallen all over their property making it impossible for them to use their vehicles. One had also fallen on their house. We stopped and asked if we could cut their trees up. They immediately asked “How much will you charge?” We told them it was free. Tears literally filled their eyes when we told them it was free.
We cut, made piles and cut some more. Before we knew it we were done. Afterward Chad’s dad shared the message of Jesus with them. We prayed for them and left.
Decades later, I can still see their faces - they were touched, but obviously so was I. As we made the three hour drive home, Chad and I laid in the back of his dad’s truck. I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t get my mind off of the help we gave.
Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to serve others all to share the love of Jesus. Nearly every time, you can see it on their face: wonder, humility, thankfulness, curiosity, openness. And every time, it happens to me: I get touched and blessed so much so that I’ve often wondered who has received more - me or the one I’ve just served?
It does not have to take a disaster to serve others in need. Every day, all around us, opportunities abound to help others. Will we have eyes to see? Will we have ears to hear? Will we have hands ready to help?
What would happen if we saw the needs around us as a “hurricane” to the one with the need? Would it cause us to stop and listen? Would it move us with compassion? For the person in need, their world has been hit by a hurricane.
Let’s be Jesus to those around us in need. Let’s have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hands to help those in need. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with His power to help others!
Still touched by serving others,
Jeff Powell
