"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many" - 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Unless you have only recently become a follower of Jesus you have probably come across this passage at one point or another. Maybe you have heard it preached in the context of your church. We are reminded that we all have different strengths and talents and to use them together within that church context.
I would like to take a minute to remind each of us that Ottawa Innercity Ministries functions in the same way as an extension of the Church, the body of Christ. Not only do the staff members each have unique strengths and abilities, but so do the many volunteers which are intrinsically important.
It is a blessing to witness the volunteers at Art group have meaningful discussions with the youth in the program. The youth look forward to sharing details of the week with the them. I occasionally interact with the Street Outreach volunteers preparing their wagons to go out, or sometimes coming back in. They pray, looking for opportunities and conversations, and lifting up specific individuals and situations. They all have unique personalities and ways to relate to our street friends, but God has blessed them with the ability to empathize, and with compassionate, servant hearts.
The staff and volunteers at OIM attend different churches, belong to different denominations, have different backgrounds, but we all come together to help those in need and offer God’s love in the city of Ottawa.
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2-3
~Jordan Levesque, Youth Program Coordinator
