Everyone working together is the key!
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:27, “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” I’ve heard those words in countless sermons, and the thought of everyone serving in harmony as a different part of Christ is beautiful. But sometimes it’s easy for me to only think about my part or about the work my home church is doing and forget about the big picture.
As I’ve been living in the small community of Shell, Ecuador, for the last few weeks, and spending time with MAF affiliate Alas de Socorro del Ecuador (ADSE), I’ve had many glimpses of the Body of Christ in action. I’ve seen how churches and organizations serving here rely on each other, sharing skills and talents in order to further the kingdom of God. It’s inspiring, and a reminder to me that there are a variety of ways to serve Christ and reach out in love.
Recently, ADSE flew a team of pastors, doctors, dentists, engineers, and handymen into the jungle to share their talents, however needed, with the people there. Some of the villages they visited didn’t have access to routine medical care or the ability to fix things, like motors, that break. Everyone on the team—each “body part”—had his or her own unique way of serving. Many people received help, and ADSE also did its part: getting this team where needed to go in a matter of minutes.
Normally, it would take a team like this at least a day of walking through the jungle to reach these villages. A short ADSE flight allowed them to arrive quickly and have the time and energy to get more work done, and meet the needs of more people.
ADSE is in a unique position to bridge the gaps and bring people together. As the feet (or wings!) of the body, ADSE—and MAF in other countries—has the honor of serving many other parts, all working together to bring the love of Christ to isolated people.
Here’s a video showing this partnership in action:
