Dear Friends,
A few years ago, Bonnie’s friend Barb gave her a hand-held olive wood cross from Israel. Bonnie was so touched by the gift that she asked me to see if we could get a few crosses to give away. That gift from Barb became the catalyst for us to practice “In-the-moment ministry.”
Here’s how it works. Bonnie carries a couple of crosses in her purse. When a server in a restaurant or a clerk in a shop is especially kind or helpful, she leaves the normal tip, then she presents them with a velvet bag with the cross inside, saying, “You have been so kind, I’m guessing you are a Christian.”
Many say, “Yes.” Others say, “I’m Catholic.” To which Bonnie responds, “You believe in Jesus; that’s all that matters to me.” Of course, a few decline the gift saying they aren’t Christian, to which Bonnie says, “You may keep it to share with a Christian friend, if you’d like.”
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:5 (NIV)
We make frequent visits to Kaiser Healthcare. You would be surprised how many doctors and nurses are Christians and love to share their faith stories. Occasionally we see a patient who is going through a particularly rough patch. A kind word and the gift of the cross can give comfort to someone who may otherwise feel terribly alone.
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 4:24
Sometimes Bonnie will give someone an extra cross suggesting, “You will “know” who to give this to.” In one instance, it was a hairstylist who had been given an extra cross. When one of her clients said she had been thinking about suicide, the stylist prayed with her and gave her the cross. When the client returned several weeks later, she hugged the stylist and said, “Your love and that cross saved my life.”
There is no special power in the small hand-held crosses themselves; the power is in Jesus. The crosses offer a way to share our faith with people we may only have a few moments with. “In-the-moment ministry” means taking the opportunity to be the face of Jesus to someone whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Maybe you have been looking for a new way to share your faith. The beauty of the crosses from Israel is, thanks to Amazon, you don’t have to travel to Jerusalem to get them. If you type “olive wood holding cross” in the Amazon search bar, you will see a variety of crosses to choose from.
Another way to practice “In-the-moment ministry” is to send uplifting greeting cards. The Dollar Stores have an extensive collection and the prices are quite reasonable.
You never know when the Holy Spirit will move you to reach out to someone. Whether you hand someone a cross, send them a greeting card, or simply show your Christianity with a hug or a smile, moment-by-moment, you can serve the Lord.
Verse for the Week:
As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. 2 Corinthians 9:13a
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
This is a prayer that Barb also gave to Bonnie. Thank you, Barb.
The Olive Wood Cross Prayer
As I hold onto this cross, Lord, hang onto me.
As I hold onto this cross, Lord, fill me with your strength and peace.
Come Lord Jesus, my Light, and illuminate my darkness.
Come my Physician, and heal my pain.
Come flame of Divine Love and kindle my heart with the flame of your love. For you alone are my King and Lord.
As I hold onto this cross, I remember the cost of your great love for me.
As I hold onto this cross, I rejoice in the knowledge that evil and sin do not have the last word and that your love is indestructible.
Lord, however fearful I may be. I know that nothing in all creation can separate me from the love that is found in Christ Jesus.
AMEN
Because He Loves Us Press 