“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
I can’t imagine anything more frightening than having a sick child. As a parent of three daughters, I know that I would do anything within my power to make them well. That is how Arfon Jones felt when he was told his daughter would lose both of her kidneys to a serious illness. At the age of 19, she would have to be on dialysis for several hours a night. Arfon contacted the hospital and put his name on the donor list so that he could help his daughter with the gift of a new kidney.
Arfon went to multiple tests before the doctors would tell him that he is not a match for his daughter. They would have to wait until a suitable donor could be found. Arfon’s daughter was sick, and the family was doing their best to remain hopeful that a kidney would be found. In April of this past year, Arfon and his daughter, Seren, received the call they had been waiting for. A kidney had been found. Seren received the life-giving organ she so desperately needed. She is healthy and doing well today.
Shortly after Seren received her kidney, Arfon was told he could remove his name from the donor list, if he wanted to do so. He chose to keep his name on the list. He said, “It was as if I heard a voice telling me ‘There is someone else who needs your kidney’ and I just felt that I had to stay on the list.” In December of 2022, just eighth months after Seren received her new kidney, Arfon gave one of his away. He was excited to give someone such a nice Christmas present. All parties are healthy and doing well today.
It took great courage for Arfon to give away his kidney. This courage comes from the knowledge that helping others is far greater than keep things to ourselves. Giving is the heart of God. When we give and serve others, we experience great joy. This is because we were created in the image of God. We were created to bless others. Jesus teaches us to be careful about holding on to our possessions so tightly. Instead, we are reminded, “Where our treasure is, there our heart is also.” May we, like Arfon, have the courage to give, to serve, and to listen to that small voice of God who leads to a place where our hearts can find joy and we can truly make a difference in our world.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
