Shine On!

By Peter van Gorder, Germany

A recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings was that we are to use our talents to help others. He says that we are to give light to the world and be like a city set on a hill that can’t be hid (Matthew 5:14). We shouldn’t light a lamp and then hide it under a basket, but put it on a lampstand to give light for everyone coming into the house (Luke 11:33).

In my travels to various parts of the world I have noticed the beautiful diversity of gifts that my brothers and sisters in the Lord have, each shining in their own unique way. Here are just a few examples:

My Polish friend Faithy in Ukraine, who hosted a summer camp every year for disadvantaged children from rural areas, an event that was the highlight of their year.

There’s my Italian friend Romano in South Africa, who has been going to Lesotho every year, helping the villagers there by building two schools and maintaining the teachers and their curriculum. He also taught them how to make cheese from their cows’ milk.

There’s John from the US, who helps Syrian refugees in the Middle East with their physical needs as well as running medical homes for refugee children who are away from home receiving treatment for cancer.

Then there is Jan, who trains clowns to cheer up children who are in the hospital.

And German John, who has established a school in the Congo.

I know musicians who inspire, medical professionals who run free clinics in the outback, mural painters who brighten the lives of students at schools and patients in hospitals, and teachers who give new meaning to the phrase: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” These are just a few of the many people I have met who are having a big impact on their communities.

It’s important to note that all these works that I mentioned above started as small endeavours with few resources, and then they grew by leaps and bounds to what they are today. They are truly examples of small beginnings having greater ends.

As for myself, I have taken on the job of training young people in Bible storytelling through mime and applied theatre both at our church in Germany, which is mostly composed of new Christians from an Iranian background, and at least once a year at various centers internationally that invite us to come and offer training programs to their youth.

I found that the key for discovering how I could let my light shine was to realize what I’m capable of doing and where my talents lie. What do I enjoy doing and want to share with others? What is my passion?

I realized it was unwise to compare myself with others and what they were doing. After seeing this and being honest with myself, I became more fulfilled in my life, and I feel that I am having a lasting impact in the communities I work with.

If you haven’t found your calling yet, it might be time to light a match and let your light shine!

    Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.—1 Corinthians 12:4–11 KJV