Compassionate Faithfulness
The Ministry of Presence
During a recent visit with my elderly Jewish friend *Debra, I sensed her exhaustion as she described her health struggles. When I suggested, “Why don’t we just take a nap?” she put her feet up, I laid on the couch, and we rested together. This is the ministry of presence.
More than 25 years ago, a student at Moody Bible Institute identified a need when many non-English-speaking Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union moved near Moody. In faithful obedience, Lisa began a weekly ministry teaching English (ESL) to the residents. I am grateful to participate in this ongoing ministry, which is where I met Debra.
Like many of the aging Jewish ESL students, Debra’s days are filled with doctor’s appointments as her health declines. But these days she is thinking a lot about the hope Jesus offers through His presence. These dear Jewish friends, who grew up as atheists in the former Soviet Union, have repeatedly expressed gratitude that those of us in the ESL ministry, including current Moody students, share with them about our faith in God.
It’s been my privilege to share God’s love over the past seven years with these precious “seniors” who have experienced so much heartache without knowing their Messiah. We long for their salvation. One woman told me, “I’m not so well, but I’m alive. I love you, Rachel.”
The ministry of presence has meant so much for me as I’ve lived with Lyme disease – and its accompanying dizziness, brain fog, numbness, and fatigue – for years. God has used my health battle to reveal the spiritual battle more clearly. My health issues have connected me in ways I never imagined, and not just with my elderly friends. I receive calls regularly from a Jewish young woman with Lyme disease who placed her faith in Jesus. Our mutual struggle connects us.
I’ve experienced the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
It isn’t easy. My health struggles are a challenge and a blessing. I’m learning to rest, to depend on the Lord, to receive from others, to be honest and vulnerable, and to persevere. I am grateful to carry on the ESL ministry Lisa started over two decades ago with the help of Moody students. I am grateful for the ministry of presence – whether meeting practical needs, offering time to connect through shared struggles, or napping together.
Rachel, Life in Messiah staff in Chicago
