- Friday, August 31, 2012
- Melissa Maudlin
- Ministry Updates
- Comments
Did you know that Labor Day was actually first established as a national holiday in 1882? Two years later, the first Monday in September was selected as the official "working man's holiday."
Today, most of us anticipate the holiday as summer's "last hooray" - in my family it's always a weekend of camping adventures with my cousins and grandparents.
Over a hundred years ago, working conditions were far different than today. For most Americans and their 8-hour work days in safe environments complete with benefits...it might be hard to remember why some of our forefathers fought so hard for a day off!
As appreciative as I am for the three-day weekend ahead, this year I am specifically reminded that this blessing didn't come without cost.
In all reality, there is labor happening in other parts of the world that isn't always so easily accomplished as mine. Serving Mercy Ships®, my mind often goes to the faithful volunteers and their work even as they leave the ship and continue to minister in areas that are the poorest in the world.
There's no national holiday to celebrate the accomplishments of these faithful workers. Theirs is, however, the eternal reward of transforming lives as they administer hope and healing.
If you don't mind I'd love to introduce you to one of these heroes. Dr. Wodome is training local doctors in the newest methods of cataract removal that not only decreases costs but also increases the quality of the procedure. He was trained just two years ago in 2010 aboard the Africa Mercy and now passes his knowledge on to other doctors. Men and women who are ready and willing to put their skills to work! Watch his story below and this Labor Day let's pray especially for those who labor for an eternal impact!
Blessings,
Melissa Maudlin
