In the sixth chapter of Isaiah, there is a powerful scene. A young man sitting in the Temple suddenly becomes consciously aware of God’s presence. It is a humbling moment for him. He feels his own inadequacy, yet strangely enough, he senses God’s ability to overcome his inadequacy. Then suddenly it happens. He hears God ask him a question that will forever change his life. “Whom should I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8)
Over the years, I’ve known many people who have heard that same question. I know a dentist who heard the question. It led him to places he never dreamed he would go to quietly care for others and, in doing so, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. I know a teacher who heard the question and he started a ministry for the poor and disenfranchised in the northern part of Georgia. I know people in this church—and so do most of you—who have heard that question. It has led them into all sorts of ministries—from working with Habitat for Humanity to feeding the hungry, working in soup kitchens and supporting the homeless.
Have you ever heard the question? Maybe it was a quiet whisper in your ear while a friend recounted experiences from a mission trip. Perhaps it was a shout when someone you loved went through a painful and difficult time. Or maybe like me, you heard it while watching the sunrise over a beautiful mountain landscape. It’s not how you hear it that’s important but how you respond to it—both for you and for the people to whom God wants you to be in ministry.
Dunwoody UMC’s annual Great Day of Service is in three weeks. As in years past, the church will participate in various mission projects on-site and across our community. There is something for everyone—from our youngest to our oldest members. There will be 17 projects at the church and five offsite. We will have such ministries as Rise Against Hunger, the potato drop, care packages for troops, preparing food kits for the Sandy Springs Community Assistance Center, baking cookies and writing appreciation cards for our local first responders, Wesley Woods and much more.
It all begins with a breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19. The mission projects start at 9:00 a.m. For more information and to register, visit dunwoodyumc.org/great-day-of-service. Please contact josh.amerson@dunwoodyumc.org or chris.mixer@dunwoodyumc.org with questions. As you can tell, the Great Day of Service promises to be an exciting one. In response to God’s question, Isaiah replied, “Here am I! Send me! (Isaiah 6:8).” I pray you will too!
Blessings,
Dan