Yesterday I shared with you about our little son Jeffrey and his seriously ill little heart. Today I want to simply write about the precious family of the First Baptist Church of Marilla. Karen and I served at Marilla from 1980-1995. Those were wonderful years with this church family. Together we learned much about the two genuine components of ministry. Paul wrote of this as he spoke of Onesiphorus.

First, we see the ministry of being. “When he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently and found me” (2 Timothy 1:17). He was there and just his presence demonstrated that he cared for Paul and that he loved him.

Second, we see the ministry of doing. “How many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, you know very well” (2 Timothy 1:18). His ministry of being and doing “refreshed” Paul (2 Timothy 1:16). This refreshing gives the idea of a cool breeze or a cold drink of water on a hot day.

I want to tell you that graciously, consistently, and lovingly the church family at Marilla ministered to our family and helped us through Jeff’s many surgeries and hospitalizations. They reached out to our entire family and encouraged and upheld us in personal and precious ways.

There are dozens of illustrations of their love and care for our entire family. Let me share just one of them. Following one of his surgeries, Jeff was in very serious condition. Buffalo Children’s Hospital allowed both parents to stay overnight. However, the requirement was that one of the parents had to come to the security area to check both parents in each evening for overnight clearance. As I stepped into the lobby from the elevator, many of the church family were waiting for me. They wouldn’t tell me how long they had been there. They simply said, “We had to come.” Embracing me, crying with me, holding me and praying with me, I saw firsthand the church in the ministry role that the Lord intended. Returning to Jeff’s bedside, I sent Karen down telling her only a blessing was waiting in the foyer. Several moments later she returned to my arms as we wept and thanked the Lord for our church family.

Friends, the role of your pastor is to equip you to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). The dear folks at First Baptist Church of Marilla certainly ministered to us during those four years of Jeff’s life as well as in the years following his home going. My family and I are so grateful for the many ways they ministered by “being” and “doing.” I want to encourage you that the Lord has equipped you to minister to others even in these days of pandemic. You and your ministry can really make a difference.