- Tuesday, November 29, 2011
- Katie Burke
- Ministry Updates
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Is it easier or harder to go "beyond the call" during the Christmas season?
Listeners of HCJB Global's 1:00 program, "Beyond the Call", will be hearing many inspirational stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In each feature, the story focuses on an individual who recognizes their "beyond the call" moment. It's exactly the kind of reminder we need during this season as we encourage a spirit of giving.
As you prepare to inspire others to embrace this season of giving, take note of one example I found from HCJB Global. You'll find in this story three specific steps for recognizing your next "beyond the call" moment:
For Oscar Aguirre, a 10-minute transaction on a Quito street meant freshly shined shoes after a Sunday-morning church service. But to this young businessman, the December 2000 encounter meant so much more. Juan Alpapucho, the boy working on Aguirre's shoes, needed more than enough pay to buy a few pieces of bread.
1. Identify the "Where": Oscar didn't go anywhere special. An opportunity to serve came to him right where he was. Where have you sensed God calling you to go "beyond the call" lately?
Work as a shoeshine boy provided little for Alpapucho who hadn't had a decent meal in days. "I invited him for breakfast," Aguirre related. As Alpapucho ate bread and yogurt, the two talked, and the young boy accepted Aguirre's invitation to attend a Spanish-language church that same morning.
2. Find the "What": It was as simple as a breakfast. From there, a conversation over bread and yogurt led to an invitation to attend a church service later that same morning. What could you do in the next week to bless just one person?
At first Aguirre felt shame. Until then he'd done nothing for Ecuador's poor, but decisive action followed. Soon he had the ear of the board members at English Fellowship Church, and from the pulpit he had the ear of the church's international congregation in Ecuador's capital city. Among those who volunteered time, money and other resources was HCJB Global missionary David Tippett.
In February 2001 Tippett, Aguirre and others shared a message from the Bible, then served the first Pan de Vida breakfast to 20 people in the Tippetts' carport. Hence the ministry, Pan de Vida (Bread of Life), was birthed, with help from various ministries: Alliance Academy International, English Fellowship Church, Extreme Response, Hospital Vozandes-Quito, Samaritan's Purse and HCJB Global.
3. Look for "Who": Recognizing the potential for greater reach, Aguirre shared his idea with trusted ministry partners. Who could you ask to help you in this mission?
What began with plates of scrambled eggs with ham, rice, a banana, a piece of bread and glasses of milk and fruit juice has grown, Aguirre recounted at a special event in October to commemorate the ministry's 10th anniversary.
In this season of giving, help others recognize their "beyond the call" moment. Air "Beyond the Call" from HCJB Global.
Katie Burke
Ambassador Advertising Agency: We Connect. Ministry and Media.
P.S. There's more to this story. Email Katie for more on the incredible 10-year history of Pan de Vida.