DAY 13: "No One Walks Alone" by Jennie Lee

DAY THIRTEEN: “No One Walks Alone” by Jennie Lee

"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me....I tell you the truth, whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was Me--you did it to me." (Matthew 25:33-40)

One of the most exciting things about being a member of The Church at Trace Crossing is getting to know the people the Lord has placed in our church family. I want to tell you about a man who is part of our family and who would never tell you his story himself.

One year ago this month a man quietly showed up one Sunday morning to worship with us. He had just walked from the Salvation Army Shelter, where he was living at the time, to Kohl's Department store. He had heard they were needing help unloading a truck. After being told that the job had already been taken, he walked back to town--a total of five or six miles. On the way back, he remembered that he had seen the church building that week when he had been in the shopping center looking for work. So, he decided to stop by and visit.

That one visit started a friendship that has blessed Tommy and me more than I can ever tell you. Since he didn't drive or have a car, we invited him to join our Life Group telling him that we would pick him up that very night. He became a regular member, and as the weeks progressed, he began to share his story.

He had been living in Alabama, and because of addictions which led to a serious illness, he decided to leave his environment and head west - on foot. With no certain direction in mind, he found himself in south Mississippi, with no money and unable to find work. He was told to come to Tupelo where there were jobs available.

So again, he started out walking, heading north to a destination what would not only change his life, but the lives of all of us who have gotten to know him. He shared with the Life Group something that none of us could imagine - the horrors of traveling alone, the extreme hunger he experienced, the fear of the night while sleeping under bridges and in ditches. He told about the night he literally wept in fear of hearing the howl of coyotes nearby.

He told us about his salvation experience, and how as a youth had been faithful in church. But he had turned away from the Lord. Little did he know how the Lord was working in his life to bring him back.

He was able to find a job here in Tupelo, and is grateful for the opportunity to work. After living in the Shelter for several months, he was able to move into a small apartment. He became a faithful member of our Life Group. He helps with the greeter ministry. I have seen him with an umbrella helping people get into the church on rainy mornings. When it was our turn as a Life Group to clean the church, he would be there moving chairs, mopping floors and helping in any way he could. Not once have I ever heard him complain. He has never asked us for anything, and is so appreciative of everything that is done for him.

He has taught us so much - humility, gratitude, kindness, goodness and many other qualities that we as Christians are supposed to possess. His very presence reminds us that material things really do not make the person, but the fruits of the Spirit do.

This story is not about how The Church of Trace Crossing has helped a man in humble circumstances, this is a story about a humble man who has helped the Church at Trace Crossing.

Who is this man? His name is Jeff Button.

His story reminds me of another man who knew extreme hunger, who experienced loneliness, who Himself said that he didn't have a place to lay His head. He is the one who told us that what we do for others, we do for Him.

Who is this Man? His name is Jesus.

Father, Thank you so much for the privilege of being a part of this great faith family. Remind us to be sensitive to those who come into our fellowship, knowing that whatever the circumstance in life, we are all in need of a Savior. Thank you for Jesus. May we grow to love You, serve You and follow You with all of our heart.