Introduction

I originally wrote this article back in 2003, inspired by sister Ruth ‘Nadine’ Rowland. She has since gone on to her reward in 2018. I had the honor of picking her up from her assisted care facility on a few occasions and have spoken to her on the phone.

One of the things our congregation does is keep track of members and their absence from service. Two groups write down the names of their missing members from their group; the cards are gathered by the end the evening service and then others take a card or cards and contact them to make sure all is well.

Whether they are at work, traveling out of town, or ill, we try to keep in touch with everyone, so they know that we miss seeing them as services and offer any assistance. This article was inspired by Nadine when I gave her a phone call to check in on her.

Laboring in the Kingdom

Recently I spoke with one of our elder members of the congregation, a woman who is unable to attend services often. She felt like she wasn’t edifying the other members because of her lack of presence. She also recounted to me what she had done thus far for the Kingdom of God and now she doesn’t know what the future holds for her.

Here’s some hope for her and others who might be a Shut-in. Recently I heard a wonderful lesson on the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13). The summary of the parable is: When faced with a dilemma, decide what action to take and then do it! Those who cannot travel outside their home often can still be involved in the work of the Church.

For Those with a Computer

1. If you have access to the Internet, you can…
   • Create your own website for free featuring articles, outlines, study notes, or thoughts on scripture passages. 

• Be active on social media by posting your favorite bible verses or passages.

• Comment on other’s posts with meaningful thoughts or bible verses.

2. If you’re not tech savvy, you can…

1. Visit your church’s website and listen to the latest sermons recorded that week. Contact the preacher or other members and share your insight into the lesson.

• Visit other church websites. Read their class material, listen to lessons, and share it with members via e-mail of social media.

For Those with a Telephone

1. Although you may be called by one of the members of the congregation each week. Return the favor and call someone else. Pick up a directory from other congregations and call them. Simply introduce yourself and discuss an article you read, a sermon you heard, or a passage of scripture you really like.

• If you get an answering machine when calling, introduce yourself and make a brief comment about what you learned from an article, sermon, or passage.

Here are some verses of encouragement:

Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16:3 NKJV)

I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. (Psalms 9:1 NKJV)

All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing. (Psalms 64:9 NKJV)

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalms 90:17 NKJV)

Overall, don’t be a nuisance! Sowing the seed of the kingdom should be an encouragement, not an invasion of personal space. There are times when you need to take NO for an answer. Jesus did, Paul did, and I’m sure the others as well.

Conclusion

As you can see, she was a source of encouragement for me as it gave me the idea for this article. Although one is advanced in years, there’s still things you can do in the Lord’s Church.