Spiritual transformation through giving and serving
by Larry Leming, Missions Ministries Director

The Christmas season is over and we are already delving into a new year. As I sit here in my living room, I see boxes of decorations ready to be put away, a Christmas tree that still needs to be “undecorated” and taken off and a manger scene that will continue to fill its spot atop my entertainment center the whole year through.   I begin to reflect upon this past Christmas season and its many blessings. 

Thanks to so many of you, this past Christmas season turned out to be one of joyous giving and serving others, as we partnered together to touch almost 200 lives here in the Lowcountry.   This was accomplished through many resources and volunteers, both local and regional.

At each event and/or delivery, the Christmas story was shared and the message of God’s love was portrayed in real ways. As these lives were touched, something truly amazing happened…..transformation began to take place. 

We helped a disabled grandmother who recently began caring for three young grandchildren. When I arrived with the presents, the grandmother, walking with the aid of a cane, came toward my car. I told her to wait, but she insisted on coming out to greet me with a hug. I carried the gifts inside and laid them under her small, decorated tree in the corner. She praised Jesus for answering her prayers by providing “something” for her babies. She continued to tell Him how she had not been concerned for herself, but for her babies.  She had no idea we had presents for her as well! As I left, this frail grandmother gave me another huge hug. Even though I delivered the gifts, she knew that God provided them. 

On the Tuesday before Christmas, a young man was referred to me by one of our local churches. He was out of work and looking for Christmas help for his family. He needed toys for his 1 and 3 year-old children. Normally preschool toys are harder to come by, but when I checked our supply of donated toys, I found items for those exact ages. The next morning, Christmas Eve, I called this young father so I could deliver the gifts that morning as I hurried to Tennessee for Christmas with my family. God is so good. It turned out that he had a one-day job by the interstate the very way I was traveling. He reluctantly asked if I had something he could give his wife as well.    It just so happened I still had a gift bag of nice items from a popular bath and body store. I assured him she would love it and I set out to meet him. Upon arriving, we talked a moment and I gave him the presents. As I turned toward my car to leave, he asked if I would pray for him and his family. Gladly I took his hand and prayed. During the prayer, I felt water dropping on my hands. It wasn’t raining, so I wondered where the water came from.  When I finished, I raised my head and saw that the “water” that dripped on my hands was the grateful tears of this young father.    

For me, a missionary who sometimes wonders and questions, I found my answer through the grateful tears of a father, the thankful prayers of a grandmother and the smiles of the children and adults that were served. These toys and clothes were not the greatest gifts received.    The greatest was the gift of transformation. A transformation that God brought about because you and I chose to serve together!!!

May God bless you all as we continue to be His instruments of spiritual transformation as this New Year begins. 

Larry