Ministry Toolbox: Encouragement File

I'm not exactly sure where I picked up this tool, but somewhere along the way, whether it was from one of my undergrad courses or a suggestion of my college roommate, it's become one of the most valuable tools in my ministry tool box. The encouragement file.

Like a hammer, my encouragement file is nothing elaborate, just a regular manila folder. But it's contents can fuel me for months, sometimes years at a time. Since college, I've saved just about every note or communication that acknowledged some difference I had made in some one's life - notes of encouragement. I don't look at the file often, but in going through files a few weeks ago, I took a few moments to read through the file yet again. I was surprised at how I'd forgotten what was in that folder. Notes from close friends that I can't even remember the context in which they were written, but that isn't what matters, it's the messages they contain that lift my spirits. Email messages, cards, one-sided notes, some as small as a business card, they're in there, each with a message that picks me up. Granted, the file isn't overflowing.

As in a lot of other contexts, we probably don't encourage one another or build each other up as much as God, speaking through Timothy, intended. My ministry journey has at times required passing through the desert and in some cases the distance from one oasis to the next has been a long stretch. It's in those times when I've used the encouragement file to keep me going. (After my experience yesterday, so does being the Secret Reader - I happened to pass the grade 1 class in the hallway this morning and they all waved as if I was the King of England.)

My encouragement file is a key tool in my ministry toolbox and like a hammer, I strongly recommend everyone in ministry keep an encouragement file in their toolbox as well.

What is your Grace story?

I've been filling in, working evenings, for the Evening Building Supervisor this week. Ken, who has been in that role since January, is in Baltimore for the summer, so I've had to hire a summer replacement. What I've enjoyed about this week is getting to talk with people who's paths I don't normally cross.

Just last night I met someone for the first time and out of curiosity, I asked how they came to Grace (those stories always interest me). Her husband is into remote controlled airplanes and I guess was in a RC airplane club or often flew planes with someone who regularly attended Grace. After several invitations to come to Grace, the couple checked Grace out. That was about two years ago.

What is your Grace story?

Meeting CHILDREN Where They Are

I had the opportunity to be the Secret Reader for our grade 1 and grade 2 classes today; what a way to make my day! I read two books that have had a significant impact on my life: Big Joe's Trailer Truck and Curious George Gets A Medal. Though I was only scheduled to read one book, they convinced me and their teachers to go for two.

I thoroughly enjoyed having all of 30 minutes with these kids, many of whom I recognize from being in our daycare and from the Kindergarten graduation program the last two years. Nothing like this kind of an opportunity to make me even more aware of just how important a role our staff play in partnering with each child's parents in helping them train their children in the way they should go. That really hit home with one of the students who I know has been in our care since she was close to 6-weeks old. I remember the day she took her first steps...in our building. We all cheered her on!

Our staff have incredible opportunities on a daily basis to meet children where they are and move them to where God wants them to be. And as I walk the hallways, I know that can be a very challenging task at times. I do not take for granted the opportunity I have to support and encourage them in their ministry. Though just as faulty, if not less than me, I have the utmost respect and admiration for our staff.