Carrying the Presence

A few weeks ago a blessing, or perhaps a better word would be miracle was carried on to the Oceans campus. Brian, a plumber from Michigan brought out a sump pump and other cool plumbing devices to help deal with the flooding issues on the property. I can’t tell you the joy and relief I felt as trenches were dug, pipes laid and the pump installed. Beyond thankful to know that when the winter rains pour down in Fish Hoek we will sleep in peace.

Do you know what was also truly miraculous? The fact that Brian and the Holland Christian Middle School team carried on to the campus the presence of God’s Spirit.  No doubt there was a lot of hard work involved. Students removed huge rocks and other obstacles in the way. Hours were spent unclogging backed up sewers, and dealing with other plumping issues due to old corroding pipes. Yet, while in the dirt and mess there was a tangible joy flooding on campus as the work was being done.

Both staff and students from the high school on Oceans’ campus were impacted by what they witnessed. As Brian and the middle school team worked together, these by standers were in awe that in the midst of the hard work and mess there were smiles, laughter, and a passion to serve.  A staff member shared that there was definitely something special taking place that was difficult to describe. One day a group of students approached me and asked, “When can we spend time with the Americans, they seem cool!” The HCMS team couldn’t pass up that opportunity, so a time was set for an epic hike through some local caves.

What is so wonderful about all this is the fact that many  of the students on campus are not followers of Christ. Yet, during those days they felt His presence as the team used their gifts, talents, and servant hearts motivated by the Christ living in them.  Oceans’ campus was flooded with the presence of Christ by this team simply being who God created them to be.

It reminded me of the text from 2 Corinthians 5:17,18:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…”

The Spirit was carried on to Oceans’ property through His beloved children and with it Jesus’ resurrection power brought forth new creation life. The Father used the gifts and heart of Brian with his knowledge of plumbing and this HCMS team with servant hearts to be ministers of “reconciliation” with the spirit of Christ dwelling in them.  Their every day life and actions not only  reflected the Father but also pointed others to see the Jesus living in them.

As a follower of Christ I challenge you to remember who dwells in you. Do you believe you are a “new creation” and you carry the resurrection power of King Jesus. His Spirit flows through your veins. Carry that presence with you to the breakfast table, as you workout, when you enter the office, sit in the classroom, serve at a food bank, or walk around your neighborhood. Everywhere you go you bring the Christ and His presence has the power to reconcile hearts back to the Father through your everyday ordinary life.

Don’t forget: each and every day you carry the miracle of Jesus living in you!

**Special thanks to Haven Church for the funding to help make this project possible.