August 28 Message From Rev. Tam

Where God Is at Work
 
One of the greatest gifts of pastoral ministry comes through conversations that remind me God is always at work in people’s lives.
 
Recently, I had the delight of sitting down with Daniel Glassman during Munch and Mingle. As Daniel shared about his experience at Joni and Friends Family Retreat, what encouraged me most was more than the stories themselves. I was encouraged by his willingness to learn, his openness to new experiences, and his sincere desire to serve others. Those qualities reflect a heart that continues to grow as God works within a person’s life.
 
Many of you have watched Daniel grow up at Orchard Covenant Church. Today, we also have the privilege of seeing him faithfully serve in our media ministry week after week, helping connect our congregation and our online community through technology. Much of that work happens outside the spotlight, yet it makes a meaningful difference in the life of our church. I am grateful for his servant’s heart and his willingness to use his gifts for God’s glory.
 
Our conversation reminded me that serving God does not always begin with grand plans or extraordinary opportunities. Serving simply begins with a willing heart. God delights in people who remain open to learning, ready to help, and eager to discover where their gifts can bless someone else.
 
As we prepare for a new season of ministry this fall, I invite each of us to prayerfully consider where God may be calling us to serve. Perhaps God is inviting you to step into a new area of ministry, develop gifts that have been waiting to be used, or grow as a leader in ways you had never considered. 
 
Every gift has value, and every person has a place within the body of Christ. Conversations like the one I shared with Daniel encourage me because they remind me that God continues to transform lives. Every act of service becomes an opportunity for Christ’s love to shine, and every willing heart becomes another testimony to God’s faithfulness.
 
May Daniel’s witness encourage each of us to remain open to the ways God is working in our lives. Ask God, “Where are You inviting me to serve? How can I use the gifts You have entrusted to me?” Then step forward with confidence, because God accomplishes extraordinary things through ordinary people who are willing to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8