Looking for Ligaments
Cartilage and ligaments are much on my mind these days as I look forward to surgery Friday to repair the meniscus I tore a few months ago, and the experience has opened my eyes in a number of ways.
I now have significant empathy when I hear about knee injuries on sports talk radio where before I paid little attention. The church ‘injury report’ also affects me more these days. I believe I have always cared about the prayer requests for physical health, but there’s nothing like a little pain to help you feel more deeply.
Today my torn cartilage is bringing Ephesians 4:16 to life. “From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
While I don’t want to push the metaphor too far, I want to spotlight a couple of men who serve as crucial ligaments at Evergreen. Lee Olmsted and Gailen Berg meet at the church on Wednesday afternoons and spend a few hours going to visit members of our church family who are housebound. They are wonderfully faithful in this ministry and it is a like a drink of refreshing water for those they visit. These men are ligaments, maintaining connection with members of the body that might otherwise be neglected.
I’m sure we all nod our heads in agreement this is a good thing they are doing. But what if you were a shut-in? Have you ever imagined losing your health, your capacity to work, your ability to go to church, work, school or anywhere, and therefore losing much of your relational activity? Can you imagine what it would be like wondering if anyone will come see you this week? Only a moment of serious consideration makes it clear this is no small thing.
That is why I am praying for at least one more team of members who would join in this simple ministry. With just a bit of simple organization and coordination you could help our church body thrive. Let us know if you are interested.
Pastor Toby
Categories: Evergreen Connection