The Mission That Changes You

Periodically, I have the opportunity to speak to groups of people from across the NCR about OIM. I share with these groups the various outreach ministries that their donations enable OIM to provide. I also share about the challenges that our street friends experience as well as individual stories of their struggles, their failures and their successes (of which there are too few). My intent is to raise awareness about the community of Ottawa’s inner city and the unrelenting needs that our street friends experience. My thinking is that as the members of the Ottawa Christian community become aware of their neighbours’ needs, they will be motivated to support the mission work of OIM through funding, clothing and food donations, and by volunteering. I am humbled by the generosity of the Ottawa Christian community. 

But, something else is occurring at OIM aside from the generosity that is being expressed. 

In Proverbs 27:17, it is written that “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The meaning here is that as people interact with each other, they act as catalysts for mutual learning, skill development, and an expanded degree of compassion. This dynamic is observable and experienced. 

People who choose to volunteer at OIM will receive training, mentoring, and coaching through the OIM volunteer onboarding process. However, volunteers will also experience spiritual and emotional growth through their interactions with experienced OIM volunteer leaders. Serving on mission together with spiritually mature followers of Jesus epitomizes Proverbs 27:17.  

I have explained to my audiences that serving on mission in the name of Jesus changes you. You will experience an expansion of the Spirit’s expression through you, you will love more, and you will see and hear more spiritually. Even if you serve with OIM for only a short time, your experience of the Spirit’s work in your colleagues and in yourself through mission will have a permanent positive impact. 

So, what are you waiting for? Contact OIM, become a volunteer and be sharpened in your relationship with Jesus and with those whom He gave His life for. 

~Gerry, Executive Director