Several people have said to me recently, “Where did the summer go?” Honestly, I find myself asking the same question. Time slips away fast and I can hardly believe we’re already planning for fall and winter ministry.

When I was in college, just beginning my walk with Jesus, I often took prayer walks through a nearby cemetery. I would read the names and dates on headstones and think about the small dash between them. That dash represented an entire lifetime.

God gives each of us many gifts, such as our abilities and personalities, His grace and mercy, and most importantly, the opportunity for eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. He also gives all people something else: Time. None of us knows how many years, days, or even hours the Lord has ordained for us. We simply know that every moment is God’s gift.

One of my seminary professors often wrote that ministry rarely happens according to our time schedules. More often, it happens in what feel like interruptions. I’ve found that to be true.

Several years ago, I stepped outside the Mission hoping for a quiet prayer walk when a homeless man stopped me. I wanted to go for my prayer walk, but I stopped on the sidewalk. We talked for a few minutes before I invited him inside.

That man was Brent. Today Brent is married, owns a home, has a successful career, and encourages other men to enter the New Life Program. What I thought was an interruption became one of God’s appointments.

The same thing happened again this morning. On my way into the building, I stopped to visit with a homeless man named Larry. I was already thinking about the meeting waiting for me, but God had something more important planned. Within minutes, Larry was connected with one of our staff members and his needs were met.

Moments like these remind me that despite our schedules, our time belongs to God. Because of this, one of the greatest gifts we can give another person is our time. By listening, encouraging, praying, serving, or simply being present, we emulate what Christ did for His people. Jesus became present in time and then gave His very life so that all who trust in Him would receive a timeless gift.

As summer ends and the busy fall and winter seasons approach, please consider giving your time to the help our homeless friends at the Mission. You may discover that what feels like an interruption is one of God’s divine appointments.

God bless you,

Chris D. Croswhite
Executive Director