An Ordinary Calling

It is virtually impossible to capture and convey in words the people, the events, the emotions, and the ‘God moments’ that have occurred during this week of service on board FriendShips. So I won’t even try. Instead, I’ll make a very simple observation: God can use you.

FriendShips is a truly remarkable ministry which is staffed completely by volunteers. But these people, while wonderful, genuine, caring, and competent, are not remarkable. They are simply servants, serving a remarkable God. They are ordinary people—young, middle aged, senior citizens, men, women, and children—who are doing extraordinary things because they’ve followed God’s leading and are willing to serve.

The same can be said of Latreia. Of course as their parents we view these four as being engaged in an exceptional undertaking. But Kelly, Laura, Stephanie, and Jesse really don’t see what they’re doing as incredible at all. They are simply servants, serving an incredible God. They are living a life that reflects their faith. They are following the One they said they would follow when they accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

The week spent serving alongside the people of Latreia and FriendShips has taught me that the next time I start to think that it takes a special kind of person to do mission work, serve in a ministry, or do evangelism, I need to change my thinking. I need to look in the mirror and see a servant of God looking back at me. Then I need to ask Him to use me. And I need to be willing to step out in faith and trust Him. He may not call me to set sail for Haiti—but He might! In the meantime, what does He want me to do today, right where I am?

I believe that God has given me this perspective for a reason. Not to diminish the efforts of the people involved in FriendShips and Latreia, but to see that He’s not really looking for extraordinary people; He wants to use ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things for Him. He’s wants to use people like you and me.

--Randy Dotson