Brother Chris Herring, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mexico Ward
Recently, I attended a large church meeting.I arrived there a little late, and while looking around trying to find a seat, I noticed a man and his family in the corner of a room. The Mom was sitting, but the Dad and their young child were not. I found a couple of extra chairs and upon entering the room asked: “May I offer you a chair?” He graciously accepted. I placed mine next to him, and sat with them throughout the rest of the meeting.
When the meeting was over, I introduced myself and inquired how they were doing. He said they had just moved into the area from out of state, and was looking for a job and a place to stay. He said they had been living out of their car for a couple days. He was a member of our Church and knew where to come worship and look for assistance.
With the help of others, it wasn’t too long before he had met a local leader to help, a temporary place to stay, and dinner in another’s home that night. They were very grateful and relieved.
I see a comparison to this in the Parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10: 25-37.
Like the wounded man in the parable,, I wonder how many walked by this man and his family before being noticed, and ministered to ?
I am neither being boastful of myself, nor critical of others. Missed opportunities to serve and minister in life are many.
For the complete column, see this week’s edition of the Centralia Fireside Guard