“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need.” –Acts 2:42-45
Several months ago we had a member that was going through a lot in his life. His granddaughter was battling cancer, his eyesight was failing, and his house became infested with bed bugs, just to name a few. On top of everything else he had no choice but to move out of his home and into an assisted living center. Due to the bed bugs, he had to completely start over. He was not allowed to take anything from his home to the assisted living center.
Now this gentleman was one to always help other people, no matter what. He was kind- hearted and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was great at helping others and praying for others, or asking for prayers for others, but he never asked for help or prayers for himself. When the other church members finally learned what was happening with his home and that he had lost everything, they were all determined to help in any way they could.
At first he had a very hard time accepting any help, but we kept telling him that we wanted to help him. I told him that he had helped many, many people in his life and that now it was his turn to receive help. I also reminded him how good he always felt when he was able to help someone else, and asked him if he really wanted to deny these people the pleasure of helping. He finally realized that I was right and that he really did need help, and he was so grateful that we were all there for him.
The members of Asbury all helped in some way to get him the things he needed for his new home at the assisted living center. The Cornerstone Sunday School class helped him move into his new place and got him all set up. The Sunday after we got him all moved in, he asked to have a little time during service to speak. With tears in his eyes, he explained that he has never been good at asking for help, but he was so thankful that all of us stepped in and helped him when he needed it most. It meant so much to him that we cared enough to help him.
You never know when the opportunity to help someone will come around. We never know when someone around us is suffering in silence, or carrying a heavy load alone. We need to always be kind to everyone we meet, everyone we encounter each day. A kind word, a kind gesture, can mean so much to a person in need, and it can bring joy to you also.
Lee Ann Simpson, Administrative Assistant, Asbury Campus
