My beloved Aunt Mary passed away last Friday. Her funeral was today in McCaysville, GA. I flew in from Denver to be with my family as we laid my aunt to rest. She was a woman who faced a multitude of hard times... more than most of us will face in our lifetime. Yet, she knew how to give out grace. She was a Jesus-follower. She gave out gallons of grace every day.
At the funeral today, her pastor, Tommy Hayes, spoke. Pastor Hayes is a young leader. He is bi-vocational. He is ministering in the small town of Wolf Creek, NC. Most of us would drive by this hamlet and never know it existed. But for Tommy and his church members, Wolf Creek is a big deal. It is their place of service and ministry.
As Pastor Hayes spoke to us, I heard story after story of how this church, Macedonia Baptist, was serving people in this community. Someone needs help, you help. Someone needs a roof, you help them with their roof. Someone needs a ride to the hospital, you give them a ride. Someone is drunk... you help sober them up. I heard stories of an externally focused church. This church, as well as this pastor are engaged in externally focused ministry that ties this mountain community together.
Why is it so hard for us to be so engaged in our own neighborhoods and communities? Hearing about this church made me ponder why we have a hard time being present in our own communities. Why do we feel as if our domain of operation is limited?
One story from today’s funeral sermon drove the point home for me. Pastor Hayes spoke about hearing that my aunt needed roof repairs. He came to her house, crawled on the roof, fixed the problems, and then sat to talk with my aunt. She poured her heart out to pastor Hayes. In particular, she dreamed of ways to serve the people of Wolf Creek. She was free to be a visionary for her community!
I think this funeral service reminded me of a couple things. First, Jesus’ church is doing good work in big cities and small rural communities alike. Second, I am challenged to get on some “roofs”. I need to pray, look, and listen. God will lead me to the real needs on my street and around Denver. As we see the needs and meet them in tangible ways, God will provide opportunities to sit, listen, and share about Jesus!
Thank you, Tommy Hayes. You are a hero and a great church leader! And, way to go Macedonia Baptist... you are on God’s kingdom mission!