I’m learning how to serve. I believe the western church needs to learn how to serve. As the ministry that we work for is getting ready for summer work teams to come out, I am helping to prepare training materials for hosting those groups. As I reminisce of experiences of different groups, I have to admit, some memories make my stomach turn. One short-term mission group that was in Seattle after spending time on the Yakima reservation was approached by a homeless man begging for money, and one of the leaders grilled him in a way that really tore at his dignity. Or there was a group that came to the rez and one of the [...]

Lukewarmness is stated to be the object of God's disgust and aversion; zeal and love, on the other hand, are the objects of His favor and delight. The taking away of the heart of stone, and the implanting of a warmer and more tender nature in its stead is specifically promised as the effect of His returning favor and the work of His renewing grace. - William WiberforceReference:Wilberforce, W. (2007). Wilberforce: Greatest works. Orlando, FL: Bridge-Logos.