View our weekly devotional archives.

May 19, 2008 - Encouraging Others

As most of our readers know, our ministry is primarily focused upon encouraging and equipping men to become the spiritual leaders of their homes and communities. This past week we were in the Bay Area speaking at several churches about creating vibrant men’s ministry programs.

It was also our privilege to attend the Lake Chabot Special Kids Day Program for the Disabled.  It was 25 years ago that we started this program in the East Bay Area.  Thanks to the leadership of ministry volunteers, we annually provide six such events to encourage those who are struggling with disabilities.

Our Special Kids Day Programs are always extraordinary times for the participants, the staff, and the helpful volunteers.  Most of the disabled kids experience additional issues in their lives, as they come from single parented homes.  They desperately desire attention and affection.  As the young people experience our program and the loving people who assist them, they become very excited and joyful.  Throughout the morning activities the love of God is demonstrated in some very tangible ways.

As we reflect upon the SKD Programs, a story comes to mind that will help us appreciate the sensitive hearts of these special kids.  A number of years ago, at a Spokane, Washington Special Olympics event, contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win - all, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to weep.

A couple of other runners heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. These two turned around and went back, linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

People have told and retold this story (with a few exaggerations) – so often it has turned to urban legend. Why? Because the story touched them. And deep down they knew this one thing: beyond our faith, what matters most in this life is how we encourage and empower others.  Often the ultimate prize means slowing down and changing our course to assist others in crossing the finish-line.

When responding to his passion, Jesus said he came for the down-trodden, the disadvantaged, and those seeking to know God (Luke 4). The Apostle Paul also reminds us, "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."  Phil. 2:4 

That is good advice from our Lord who desires us to have a serious, caring involvement with others.  One way that can happen is to take our eyes off of our often excessive self-absorbed concerns and think about how we can effectively love, serve, and encourage others. 

When you think about it, that is why we rarely have difficulty getting enough volunteers to help with our SKD Programs. Further, in over two decades of serving around 17,000 kids we have only had two disagreements or fights among the children.   They are both appreciative and thankful. 

This ministry is very grateful for the individuals who see and think beyond themselves.