January 26 Home Communicator – For many, the gesture may seem insignificant, perhaps even simple—one of our students peeking into the office late this summer extending his gift palms open, face expectant. In them he was holding what a great treasure: 3 dollar bills. “I thought the school may need extra this year and I wanted to help,” he said as he extended his palms even further and wider.
He was right you know. We were going to need a little extra this year. As with many families and businesses this year, COVID challenges were impacting HCS as well. Our major fundraisers, additional families needing tuition assistance, and unexpected and required preparedness costs presented challenges that at times tempted me toward worry. It is at times like these—when the rubber hits the road so to speak– where we are all faced with choices. As One Body of believers, what will we do when we face a need and what will we do when we see a need?
I distinctly remember the moment when I faced this choice early August. It was a moment when I was toying with worry, when the Holy Spirit brought to mind Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Strengthened by His Word, assured of His character, He enabled me to choose in that moment to cast my cares on Him and step into this year in faith.
I remember that moment so clearly because it was the very next day that this student walked into the office prepared and ready because he sensed a need and was ready to respond, palms open wide. I’m sure he was unaware at the time of the big impact his simple gesture of obedience would have—and would continue to have. God has used this student’s gesture many times throughout this year to encourage me to continue to trust God. And true to His character and His Word, the Lord’s faithfulness has been so evident at HCS working through this community of faith.
Often it’s the little things, and the little ones, that the Lord uses to make the biggest impact. I pray that this week you’ll join me in learning from our students at HCS that we all have someone to trust in times of need, and something to extend to one another when we see one. May we all reach out together as One Body, palms open and extended, reaching out with treasures of time, talents, or the simple yet profound gift of grace, expectant for what He will do. He longs to do more than we can ever ask or imagine through His power at work in us, His One Body.
Rachel Landstra, Mission Advancement
