This IS Why I SERVE

by Darren Young, Makarios Director of Health

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The other day, I bought a coffin for a patient who had died. I had never done this before, however, I was 
able to serve the family by providing emotional support and praying with them. I know I serve Christ and 
not man, but it’s hard when something like this happens. At only 52 years of age, this man was the 
father of an extremely poor Haitian family living in the Dominican Republic. We have four of his six kids 
in school at Makarios. This is why I serve.

Principal Laurie Majcher stands beside the Makarios family that recently lost their father, a patient of Darren's. Dealing with life and death in the D.R. and grieving alongside the families Makarios serves is a raw reminder of the privilege we have to share the gospel of peace.

As a medical missionary, I really admire the life of missionary doctor David Livingstone. He spent his life 
in Africa, treating all sorts of diseases while preaching the good news of the gospel - his main purpose. 
He is a true example of sacrifice and service for the greater cause. Yet, this is what he had to say
about his life:

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa…Is that a 
sacrifice which brings its own blest reward? Away with the word in such a view, and with such a 
thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or 
danger…All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for 
us. I never made a sacrifice.”

How many Christians today could say that serving is a privilege? When my family left for the 
Dominican Republic, people praised our “sacrifice” in leaving behind the comforts of the American 
lifestyle. But I now know it truly is a privilege to be able to serve, and I try to have an eternal 
perspective on our work.

Dr. Darren sees approximately 15 patients a day from the school and community. Here he is with Michael, one of the children whose father recently passed away. Please keep this family in your prayers.

It is easy to let our desires rule us or to lose focus of our priorities. Often, you may think, “I’m too busy 
to serve,” or, “I don’t feel like serving.” It’s not about our feelings; it’s about being obedient to what our 
Lord has called us to do. It is so easy to be involved in the business of our schedules that we forget 
why we are doing what we are doing. Ask God what he wants you to do in the lives of others. Part of 
service is figuring out what people truly need and being prepared to serve in a way that you may not 
expect. 

Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing 
that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Certainly our Father in heaven has a well-defined plan for each of His children, and the extent to which 
that plan is found and followed determines how you will attain completeness and true greatness.
It truly is a privilege to serve. Remember the words of David Livingstone: “I never made a sacrifice.”

How Can I SERVE?

• Serving is Obedience - We are not saved by service, but we are saved to service. (John 12:26)
  
• Serving is not Fearful - Fear is a true enemy of serving. Don’t let it paralyze you. (Isaiah 41:10)
  
• Serving is Continual - Look for someone to serve every day or pray that God will place someone 
  

in your path. Make this an intentional habit that becomes part of your life. (Galatians 6:10)

• Serving is Love - Jesus is our example of serving. Show others not who you are, but whose you 
  

are. Today, perform one act of love to someone you don’t know. (Mark 10:45)

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Want to partner in the privilege of serving by providing resources to meet medical and health needs for our community? Click here to donate to the Makarios Medical Fund.