We watched a video clip about the Dick and Rick Hoyt. In cased you missed it, here’s a link to their story and you can watch another video.

The following is from a series of stories on God using people in the work place as told by members of our congregation:

How does God use a college aged student in the workplace? God opens so many doors of opportunity in the workplace. I love where I work and the people I work with. I really hope and pray that God will use me as a step in their decision about Christianity. I believe that my job fits the giftings God has given me. Being able to use those giftings has opened many doors for me to be used by God to minister to my co-workers. I try to be the best representation of Christ as I can and by watching me live my life, I think many see a difference in my life.

Everyone I work with knows that I am a Christian and it’s not because I have told them, it’s by the way I live my life and the example that I have shown. Through watching me live, the people I work with naturally have questions about what I believe and why I believe. It is so exciting to be able to stand firm in what I know is true. I am very happy about where God has placed me and the job that He has provided for me (which is a blessing in itself!). [Ami Mulder -- Moose Jaw Housing Authority]

The following is from a series of stories on God using people in the work place as told by members of our congregation:

When I moved to Caronport to attend Briercrest three years ago I had no idea what God had in store for me over the next few years. Most of you would know me as Steve Atkins’ administrative assistant, but I also have another full-time job as an esthetician at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa.

Hand-in-Hand with God

I believe God has put me in my job(s) for His Glory! God uses these two very different jobs to work hand-in-hand all the time. It amazes me how God can use what I’m doing here in the church (youth group administration/voltage/Joe’s Place) to open doors to conversations about what I believe, and why I am involved in the church.

He uses each place as a break from the other which keeps me working for many hours after sane people would have stopped. He teaches me to be gracious to the people I work with, and creates awesome and challenging relationships that keep me sharp in the Word.
I never thought that a job that “just pays the bills” could work so well together with what my real passions are. I never thought I’d see most of my co-workers helping me with whatever project I have going from cutting out 20,000 labels to helping me call halls around town to get prices for a youth event! I never thought I’d have a supervisor who is willing to work around my youth group/church schedule.  [Jenn Griff -- Temple Gardens Mineral Spa]

The following is from a series of stories on God using people in the work place as told by members of our congregation:

I have been with Electrolux for 27 years. In the beginning, I asked God to be the head of my career. I have only received Grade 7 education, and each year before that, I was put ahead either because of my size or age. Now I know I had a learning disability called dyslexia. I thank God for all His help because I couldn’t have achieved what I have without Him.

In my sales career, I knock on doors, which I love doing. Every door brings someone new, and everyone has problems.

I love helping people. I just listen to whoever wants to tell me their problems. Then I try to bring God into the conversation. Some listen, some do not. Some want me to pray for them, some do not. The more you talk to people, the more opportunities you have to witness.

God has used me to witness of His love and pray for people with all kinds of need-;even for a couple to have children (they have 3 now!). God has used me to lead people to Him. I remember an older couple in Rockglen. They both were in their 80’s and both accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Another time, I was knocking on doors in Assiniboia and this woman came to the door. She had a vacuum cleaner that didn’t work and she didn’t have any money to fix it. She looked very sad. I asked her if she wanted help with whatever was troubling her, and she shared with me that her daughter had a heart problem and needed surgery in Saskatoon. I just listened to her and told her I would pray for her. Then I asked her to trust me with her vacuum cleaner. A few days later I dropped off a fixed vacuum cleaner at her house.

Several weeks later, I was having a bad day. My car had a flat tire and I had no sales. Upon arriving home, Wenda my wife handed me a note. It was from the woman from Assiniboia. She thanked me for fixing her vacuum cleaner and let me know that her little girl was doing great. Her note made me forget all about my flat tire and my problems.

I dropped in on another person, we visited for an hour, and then I went on my way. Later, I received this note in my mailbox: “Dear Gord, I just wanted to drop you a note this morning to tell you how much I enjoyed our visit the other day. Having someone to talk to who is filled with the Holy Spirit as you are is like a drink of water for a thirsty man;..stop in anytime;

I have a nice saying and it goes like this: If you want something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done. In other words, if you want to lead someone to the Lord, you have to ask someone first. So…first ask! God will help you. Trust in Him.  [Gord Peakman -- Electrolux]

The following is from a series of stories on God using people in the work place as told by members of our congregation:

The apostle Paul offers sound advice in Ephesians 6:5-9:

"Obey your earthly masters (employer) with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves (employees) of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave (employee) or free (employer)."

Paul’s advice encourages responsibility and integrity in the workplace. because the One we ultimately want to please is our Father. But, how do we do that? How do we become, as Matthew says, salt and light to our co-workers (Matthew 5:13-16)?

As the salt of the world we are to preserve and season the world around us. We have salt in ourselves by retaining the precious qualities that make us a blessing to others. As a light for God we desire to shine at work. Not to route praise and glory to yourself, but to direct it to the Lord. It’s with this in mind that I head to the YMCA for 20 hours a week, and to my salon for another 15.

I quietly do my job, not because I am ashamed, and not because I am intimated. I’m quiet because I have learned that actions speak louder than words. I don’t need to lecture my co-workers or criticize their lifestyle to be a light for the Lord. I simply have to allow God to shine through me.

God shines when Christian curriculum is implemented in YMCA children’s programs. God shines when I am reliable, when I show up on time, every time. He shines when I am found to be trustworthy, when I forgive, and when I humbly ask forgiveness. God shines when I own up to a mistake.

I don’t believe that anyone is ever argued into the kingdom; therefore, I wait until God has prepared a heart to hear. I speak when He asks me to speak (no matter how hard my knees are knocking in fear.) I stop when He tells me to stop (no matter how much more I think should be said on the topic.)

I have been blessed through many different work opportunities to be used by God. And, as workers with a heart for people we have an opportunity to be used by God. You may be the seed planter. You may hold the watering can. You may be the one who harvests the crop.

No matter what your job is, you can be sure without your effort the field would become overgrown with weeds and the enemy of the harvest would thrive. God created you with your exact gifts, your exact personality, and your exact smile to reach out and touch a lost soul.

Allow God to use you in your workplace to bring refreshment to others.
[Stacey Weeks -- YMCA]