Part of the Solution

 

Brian Haynes, pastor of Bay Area Church of League City, recently had breakfast with some of his pastor friends at Red Oak Cafe.  It is a good time of fellowship each time they get together.  After a few minutes of visiting, the men noticed an older man seated at a table by himself.  He had set up a sign on his table that stated, “Free prayers.”  The men then watched in amazement as people came to his table to be prayed for.  Some came alone while others came in groups.  There were men and women, employees and customers.  For the entire hour, the man did not sit at the table alone.  After receiving their request, the man prayed and then gently touched their shoulder.  Brian Haynes responded, “He’s not a pastor.  It’s not Sunday.  He’s just an older brother who loves God, loves people, and believes in the power of prayer on a Thursday.  He made a difference today.  It was simple but bold.  Strong older brother…I saw you.  You were an example to me this day.”

 

Recently, David Callahan went to eat at Popeyes Chicken in Bulverde, Texas.  Since the drive-thru had a long line, he decided to go inside to order and eat.  There were 5 people in front of him in the line.  The place was short staffed and between the long lines outside and inside the service was slow.  The manager was trying to help with both lines.  After ordering, Callahan went to find a place to sit.  There was not a clean table anywhere.  Quite irritated with the slow service and lack of clean tables, he sat down and ate.  Callahan then started to notice the weariness and frustration on the faces of the workers and manager.  Instead of complaining, David decided he needed to help with the situation.  He got up from his table and approached the counter.  When the manager asked if she could help him with something he said, “No, I want to help you.  Every table needs cleaning, give me a squirt bottle and some towels and I’ll do it.”  When the manager said he didn’t need to do that he continued, “I can tell how hard you are trying, but you don’t have the labor to get the job done, so give me the stuff and I’ll do it.  I don’t want anything for it.  I just want to help.”  Callahan picked up all the trash and washed and cleaned all the tables and benches.  When he returned the supplies, the manager was most thankful.  On his post, Callahan challenged, “What if we all just started helping some businesses that are trying to stay open?  Not expecting anything in return, other than we still have a place to go.  What if we became part of the solution instead of just talking about the problem?”

 

 

Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:14

 

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2