In my life I have been involved in so many garage sales that there is no possible way that I could count them all. I have done personal garage sales, 4-H garage sales, church garage sales, and other ministry garage sales. Yet I have to tell you that the past two garage sales that I have done with First Baptist Church Bayfield are the best and the funnest I have done yet!
The reason is not the amount of money that was made or the amount of items we had (which is a lot) but it is about the ministry opportunities and the sweet fellowship that was had! I was "in charge" but really there is no possible way that I could have done it without the help of SOOO many others in the church. We had such a fun time while working on the sale as well - we laughed and chatted and overall had a fun time!
Even more exciting than the fellowship were the opportunities to minister to people. The first garage sale was May 15-16. During that garage sale we focused on inviting people to church and sharing the excitement of our new building. One man was living out of his car and one of our ladies had the opportunity to share the gospel message with him and pray with him.
The second garage sale was today and our primary purpose was to try and get rid of more of the left overs from the May one, however we also wanted to just reach out to those that came and minister to them. Today we had the opportunity to bless a pregnant teen with many clothes for her new little boy who is due to arrive any day now, we had the opportunity to help a single mom furnish her home with needed furniture, and we had the opportunity to provide a family with 4 kids some needed items for their home (all of the above were GIVEN away at no charge).
What was so unique for me today was this - no one had a bad attitude! They were all willing to serve in whatever way possible and making money was NEVER the priority - it was about reaching those in need no matter what. I can honestly say that I have never seen the heart for ministering to people during a garage sale more than I saw it today.
So - here is what I have been reminded of. There is simply nothing more important than people. WE are HIS hands and HIS feet - WE are the way that others will see JESUS. My hope and prayer is that I will remember and make a priority of meeting the needs of people rather than focus on my own agenda!
1 comment:
That is great that the real blessing of the garage sale was how you and your fellow church members could minister to others in their times of need. That is what a great church community does. All while having fun too? Way to go!
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