Ignited

In science an experiment is successful if it is repeatable. I tend to lean toward a similar measuring stick in serving. Every Christmas when we put together a team of short term missionaries for our Mexico veterinary trip, the number of repeat customers warms my heart. If this many people are finagling their schedules to go back, we must be doing something right.

For this reason, among others, I consider Mosaic's first church-wide service project last weekend a success. Since Saturday we have had people asking when we're going back to The Samaritan Women's House (TSW), requesting the director's contact information so they can volunteer on their own time, and our growth group is already starting to plan its own trip to the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (RICA), to challenge the kids to some more contests.

Now, right on the heels of our first activity we have started moving toward November's service event, making and sharing Thanksgiving dinner with the residents at Baltimore's Ronald McDonald House. And last weekend's enthusiasm is spreading like wildfire as we're already receiving interest, some so dedicated they're changing their own holiday plans, even as far as rescheduling flights to help serve with Mosaic.

Maybe it was the thrill of using sledgehammers at TSW. Maybe it was the adrenaline rush of the the kickball, pumpkin painting, and basketball competitions at RICA. Or maybe it was the joy of spending ourselves in the way God created us to be spent...

I get so excited when I see people's attitude about service change from volunteering when asked, to taking initiative and personal ownership. Lighting Mosaic on fire for serving has been the plan all along, but I never dreamed God would ignite us so fast.