Farmville Enterprise August 22, 2018
All that we have belongs to God. It is easy to say those words but a bit more difficult to part with our possessions, even if only on short-term loan. It is refreshing to meet Christians with a working understanding of the fact that we actually are temporary custodians of God’s numerous gifts. These people are quick to offer their material possessions, time and talents to help others. It is not just the rich or super talented whose sharing is needed. Often, members of mission teams are surprised at how quick seemingly poor people are to invite guests into their homes, extending warm hospitality and the best they have to offer. Most of us around the globe have been entrusted with something that we can share.
Today I had the pleasure of visiting with a couple I had not seen in over 20 years. When I was at Annapolis High School their daughter, one of my best friends, invited me to Fifth Quarter on Friday nights at their house after home varsity football games. Thirty to forty students would gather in their basement for this church outreach. Thankfully for me, the Bealls believed it best that their family commit to public education for their three daughters. Mr. Beall was the loudest cheerer at AHS field hockey and women’s lacrosse games. His booming voice could be heard leading singing at each Sunday night worship service and his hearty welcome made visitors feel comfortable. Having had a six-year stint as a math professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, he later worked at an Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center and carved out some time to try to help this inept Calculus student with her studies.
Mr. and Mrs. Beall understood the benefits of a long-term commitment to one area of ministry and served as volunteers to the church’s young adult singles for many years. Some were “mids” at the Naval Academy while others attended different nearby colleges or were employed locally. Not only was the Beall home open for weekly gatherings, but it was available for couples who wanted a scenic spot for a wedding, a reception or a special event. They had a truck, referred to as “God’s truck,” that often was borrowed by young people moving into this apartment or that house. More important than the Bealls’ offer to entrust folks with the use of their home, yard and truck was the practice of entrusting them with the very words of God.
“You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2: 1-2)
Most of us do not have waterfront or especially scenic yards that would be desirable for wedding venues but we have other possessions, talents, time and wisdom that would be appreciated greatly if shared with others.
“From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (Luke 12: 48)
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