by Darren Young, Makarios Director of Health 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. 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. 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?
in your path. Make this an intentional habit that becomes part of your life. (Galatians 6:10)
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.
1 Comment
Nancy
11/3/2014 11:55:07 pm
Thanks Darren! It's exciting for me to see people I went to school w/still serving the Lord - and what an awesome work He is allowing you to do!
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