Editor’s note: Columns in the Faith section reflect opinions and perspectives of the writer and are not necessarily those of The Republic.
It’s January 2021 already.
As I look back at 2020, it’s important for me to ask myself a question. That question is, “What did I do to impact the city of Columbus, Indiana for the cause of Christ last year?”
It’s much easier to ask, “What didn’t I do that I could or should have done?” or “What did I see and hear that others did?”
A friend of mine recently told me that I sometimes am harder on myself than I should be. My answer for her is, “Maybe, maybe not!”
Though it’s not healthy to constantly look at our own shortcomings, it is good to challenge ourselves to do what we are capable of doing with God’s empowerment through the Holy Spirit. On our own and as followers of Jesus Christ, we can do nothing without him.
I must now ask myself even more questions like, “Was there anything God asked me to do in 2020 that I told him I would not do? Did he impress upon me to meet the need of at least one person who needed the help that He desired to come specifically through me?”
Last year, I started having conversations with God about my desire to be the answer to the prayers of others. I sincerely meant every word I said in prayer to Him. With this one prayer, prayed often, God has been able to motivate and challenge me to be more alert and sensitive to the needs of those around me.
In doing what I believe God has guided me to do, it hasn’t mattered if I thought that I didn’t have enough time, energy or even money to accomplish His tasks. For He has provided everything I’ve needed; and since He has, I’ve been able to meet the needs of those He has impressed upon my heart. Not because of anything having to do with me but totally because of what He has done.
There are Bible verses that quickly comes to mind as I am writing this column today. These verses are my personal mission statement and have hung on the wall in the waiting room of my counseling office for many years.
In Philippians 2:3-5 we read, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.”
Now, to answer a few questions.
In particular, what are some things I saw or heard that others did to make an impact in Columbus for the cause of Christ in the year 2020?
Actually, there were so many acts shown of God’s love, care and kindness that I could tell about but I don’t have enough space to write even a few of the ones I know about. I will, however, mention one.
The work of The Salvation Army here in our community is vast and touches many lives. One hundred percent of the money raised to run all their services comes solely from our donations. It receives $0 from our government.
In Bartholomew County alone, approximately 7,362 man hours were given by 913-plus volunteers. This number does not include the Christmas bell ringers.
Here are some 2020 Salvation Army statistics for Columbus. You gave:
–2,150 articles of clothing.
–590 pieces of furniture.
–46 people were provided assistance totaling $13,300.
–25 precious human beings who are battling substance abuse were counseled and worked with.
–9,927 people were assisted with life’s basic needs.
–751 adults and 1260 children and youth attended church services and Bible studies.
–600 kids received Christmas gifts, including 78 prison ministry kids in Bartholomew and Jennings counties.
The last statistic I’d like to share with you about The Salvation Army is that 83% of all money donated goes directly to the cause of helping others.
We’ve entered another year now.
What are you willing to do to make an impact in our community for the cause of Christ in 2021?
If you can’t think of anything, especially as a follower Jesus Christ, may I suggest helping The Salvation Army in any way you can? There, they will need more physical and monetary help this year than ever before.
Matthew 25:40 reads, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Nita Evans of Columbus is owner of Confidential Christian Counseling, focusing her work especially with ministry leaders and their families. She is also a Columbus Police Department chaplain and a national retreat and conference speaker. She can be reached at 812-614-7838 or by visiting specialspeaker.com. Send comments to [email protected]
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Columnist launching radio show” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
The Republic faith columnist, Christian counselor, conference speaker and police chaplain Nita Evans of Columbus is launching a show on Columbus Christian radio station WYGS at 91.1 FM.
The one-hour show, called "The Chat," will focus on how local women of all ages, races, and backgrounds, live out their Christian faith day to day. It will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 9. It also will be available for listeners to hear on the website for wygs.org and on iTunes.
"The need is great for women who are follows of Jesus Christ to hear from other followers of His about their daily walk with Jesus and what it can look like in very practical everyday life," Evans said. "We can receive encouragement and grow closer in our faith by something we hear on a radio program. It is important for us to learn from women who are solid in their faith and study of God’s Word."
[sc:pullout-text-end]
