We’re in a season of hosting a number of short term teams from overseas who are coming to minister here. We’re often asked if groups of people coming into a new culture can really do much good in 2-3 weeks. We always say emphatically “yes!!” Recently we had a small example of what can be done.

We live near a wonderful HIV/Aids ministry/hospice called Living Hope. Some of the young ladies on one of the teams went to the hospice one day. They planned to give manicures and pedicures to all the women in the hospice.

They had noticed one lady in particular who was always quiet and withdrawn, always sad. After she’d received her manicure and pedicure, they were quite stunned to see her dancing around and quietly singing to herself. As they listened closely, they realized she was singing over and over - “today I’m a lady!”

If all of the teams came and only touched this one life - it would be so worth it! For a few hours/days, they ministered beauty and dignity to this suffering woman.

Some people define spiritual ministry as only taking place when someone is praying or preaching. We believe it’s an act of worship to Jesus to serve those with AIDS and minister to the poor in whatever loving, serving, encouraging, or practical way we can.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matt. 25:40

By Sally


11 Responses to “Ministering Dignity - Holistic Spirituality”  

  1. 1 Meg

    Having met Floyd and being very challanged and touched by all that he had to say on his recent visit to Scotland, I have been seeking the Lord regarding working ‘full-time’ for Him. I have been thinking of doing some short-term missions in order to ‘test’ where God might want me to go but had been wondering how useful it would be and whether you would have better use for the money rather than the person for only 2-3 weeks. It touched my heart to hear of this dear lady and this is my heart too, that to touch one life with the love and mercy of God is worth more than anyone could ever say. It is my heartbeat…a world is changed one life at a time. Bless you for all that you do there and I hope one day to meet you.

    love Meg

  2. 2 Katie Riedberger

    Sally - thanks for your encouragement that short term teams do make a difference! I am confident that whether I know it or not, God brought me there for 11 days to make a difference in certain people’s lives - what a blessing it is that God allows us to be His hands and feet! I feel more blessed then I am sure then anyone there that I was able to love on! :) - Kate

  3. 3 Sally

    Meg - Thanks for your sweet response. I love your heart! People are more important than money. :} Come, work here short term, “test” your call, and maybe God will lead you here log term. Look forward to meeting you here!
    Bless you!
    Sally

  4. 4 Sally

    Katie - Only eternity will reveal what is accomplished by each life, but I KNOW you made a difference by being here……..and I think God used it to touch your heart for the future (equally important!). Look forward to seeing you in a few months. :}
    Love,
    Sally

  5. 5 Meg

    Hi Sally, I am actively praying for God to make it possible for me to come out there. I’m truly inspired the more I read of what God has done and continues to do through All Nations and you guys…You know I feel as though God is setting a fire and a passion in my heart which seemed to have grown cold through personal troubles. Since Floyd’s visit I have repented of much that was weighing me down, I’ve forgiven someone who badly hurt me and my children and feel such a fresh love and compassion, even for those who have despised me, I just know that God is moving in me again and I wait on Him for the next steps on the path.

    Bless you Sally, I just know I will love you when we meet. :o) One of so many I’m sure!

    Meg

  6. 6 mary ho

    Sally,
    Thanks for the article. Thank you for modeling holistic spirituality. You live it!
    love,
    Mary

  7. 7 ben messner

    hey friends,

    janeen and i agree…dignity is so undervalued in ministry but so desperately needed from those we are called to serve. even to help someone die with dignity is precious to our King.

    we miss you guys and SA. we are back living in Nyack, NY again. Janeen enrolled in Fordham University for the fall to get her MSW.

    love you both

  8. 8 bernice jones

    Our Lord, our great “King of Kings, Lord of Lords” came not be served, but to serve. This He did day in and day out. Our Lord became the “least” that we might known Him.

    The great “marriage supper of the Lamb” we all await, Jesus will, once again, graciously receive us at His table. The feast won’t begin until each of the “least,” with all honor, have been seated by our Lord.

    “They will known Me by your love.” Jesus said.

    Thank you, Floyd and Nancy, for living your life as an example of our Lord’s love, grace and mercy. You became one among them just like Jesus.

    God bless you!

  9. 9 Sally

    Thanks for the encouragement, Mary!
    Love,
    Sally

  10. 10 Sally

    Hi Ben & Janeen,

    Trust the studies go well. Hurry back to South Africa!
    Love,
    Sally

  11. 11 Sally

    Thanks, Bernice, for your encouragement!
    Love,
    Sally

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Justice. Community. Hope. Discipleship: Our vision is to establish a training and outreach community in Cape Town that impacts Africa from Cape Town to Cairo. Our vision is for a multi-cultural community that exemplifies the kingdom of God and brings heaven a little closer to earth. read more

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It is Africa's hour: Africans are rising up in great numbers to take hold of the promises of God for their continent. The president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, says there is an African renaissance in the making. Everywhere you turn you find a spirit of entrepreneurship and vision for new things. read more