It’s funny what God puts in your head.   I was slightly annoyed when the simple phrase ”loaves & fishes” played in my head over and over on a daily basis for more than a month.  I attributed it to the May, World Vision serve project.  Our little mission team of four had decided to stretch the Roadies (our unofficial name for church members) and ask everyone to collect enough items to build 252 aides care kits.  Our 120 members needed to collect over  4,000 items.  And as usual God provided the $7,000 in goods.

It was more than the stuff though.   On this day when many mothers would want to be served breakfast in bed our Roadie Mom’s chose to come and build care kits.  Many of these same moms also took a turn in the nursery, served breakfast and helped set-up/clean up.   And on this day there were those there so enthusiastic about building these kits that they managed to do 12 kits.  So then I began to realize that “loaves and fishes” didn’t just apply to food or stuff. It was the service as well that God could multiply.  It was the joy of knowing that when you could have done one kit you were challenged and energized to do 12 kits.  God’s always in it when we’re serving in Jesus name. And on May 10^th he brought the people.  Not only our Roadies came but Fellowship Church joined us in a big way.  They offered us food, shelter and friendship.  A leader in the Taiwanese church brought the youth kids down to serve with us. They are interested in connecting with our kids for future serve projects. Again, God is multiplying.

And it wasn’t just May 10^th.  This has been going on all year.  January’s serve projects were so much appreciated that we were asked to come back in February and yet again in March.  It was an opportunity to be present and find out where we want to serve on a regular basis.  My son Michael loves the Peoples Resource Center.  He’d be there every weekend with Ben and Oliver if he could.  “loaves and fishes”, God has increased Michael’s desire to serve because to Michael there is nothing better than filling the shelves, running carts to the cars and hanging out with Ben and Oliver.  

Every day God is multiplying our desire to serve in Jesus name.  The phone calls to “check in”, meals for the sick, meals for new babies, help in the yard, help finding jobs and praying through it all is the ways we walk.  I’ve seen it in everyone in many different ways.  The Roadies are out there each and every day.  

This summer will bring more opportunities for us to serve together.  Yes, the phrase “loaves and fishes” is still running through my head.  It tells me that we’re not yet there, we’re not done.  God will still multiply.  Over the last six months we’ve used over $6,000 to help with rental assistance, provide medicine, counseling,  new household items for incoming refugees, clothing and taken on a whole new ministry with Konania House.  We’re committed to helping the Farbers minister to the Roosevelt Road families every month and yet we’ll also be a big part of the block party next month.  Every day one of us will be there for someone else.  We’ll reach out and love in Jesus name.

I can’t wait to see how God multiplies during the remainder of 2009.  Even in the midst of a recession, job loss and the inevitable stress God will continue to speak to us, to challenge us and also to energize us.  He’ll push us to work harder, give more and yes, he will bless us for it.