Faithful Service in Extraordinary Times
Extraordinary circumstances make the ordinary difficult. As a result, small deeds of kindness, sweet moments of fellowship, and simple conversations of truth provide God’s people with extraordinary ways to demonstrate His grace, share His gospel, and bring Him glory.
Throughout 2020, local churches have struggled to worship and fellowship corporately. Carrick Baptist Church of Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland, is no different. Josh (’11, ’13) and Annie (Newcomer, ’11) Moore have served at Carrick Baptist Church since 2016 along with their three children: Cian, Eva, and Rory. Like many others, the Moores and the Carrick congregation struggled with technological difficulties as they moved their services online.
Despite the challenges, Carrick Baptist found creative ways to connect and minister, rallying together to display the love of Christ for each other and their community. One gentleman began checking on an elderly man in the church; the ladies met consistently for fellowship; members routinely called on one another seeking to meet needs. The church’s desire to give grew. Due to the lockdown, the church did not have to pay rent and therefore, Carrick Baptist was able to set aside rent money to meet needs. The church unanimously voted to send a generous donation to a biblical counseling ministry in Ireland for those enslaved to addictions. Carrick Baptist was thrilled to be a blessing to another vital ministry.
Carrick Baptist has seen visitors and had many gospel opportunities during this unique time! In one instance, Josh had an opportunity to share the gospel with a cynical man. After kindly sidestepping the cynicism, Josh had a wide-open door for sharing the truth, and the gentleman was open to visiting their church. Josh described his church to the man: “We have people from all different age groups and cultural backgrounds, but we all love Jesus and have repented of our sin and placed our faith in Him for salvation. Christ has drawn us together and we seek to encourage, serve, and love one another as we go through the turbulence of life together.”
Upon returning to corporate worship, the Moores excitedly experienced a tremendous turnout. Josh explained, “There was real hunger for corporate worship and fellowship. We all missed singing together. It is such an important part of worship, as the music is directed toward God but builds up the body.” The Moores have seen God grow their church; they have several new families attending and several who plan to join as members. Josh shares, “It has been so good to be able to have people in our homes again, visit with one another, share a meal together, and encourage each other. We praise God for His grace to sustain us during our trials. God is faithful and good.”
The Moores and Carrick Baptist Church demonstrate just one example of God’s faithful people ministering to each other in ordinary ways, bringing extraordinary light in a dark world. Extraordinary service starts with little moments yielded to Him, that God uses for the praise of His glory.
____________________
Author Bio
Karrie Beverly Flegal serves as Director of Guest Relations and Assistant for Alumni Services at MBU. She came to Maranatha Baptist University to pursue a MA in Biblical Counseling and looks forward to using her training in all areas of her life and ministry. This article first appeared in the Fall 2020 Maranatha Advantage.