A few years ago I wrote a novel, THE DEBT, about what happens when a famous TV preacher’s wife unexpectedly meets the son she gave up for adoption long before she became a Christian. That story came to me all in a rush, and I knew the Lord was in it because it convicted me. I have always believed, you see, that Jesus meant what He said when he prayed, “I pray not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). The trouble was, I was involved with a large church and my husband’s youth ministry, and I worked from home. I really didn’t have a “world” to go into.
So I decided to find one. When we moved to a different community, I started a neighborhood book club to discuss books, knowing that I could discuss the faith element–or the lack of one–in any book. But probably my most significant foray was into the local SPCA.
If you love animals, your local humane society, county shelter, or SPCA needs volunteers. You don’t have to be skilled, you only have to have some time to spare. They will teach you what you need to know (mostly about how to get animals in and out of cages without losing them), and you can set your own schedule.
Because I like photography, I decided to volunteer as a photographer. It’s long been proven that good photos help animals find homes more quickly, so I pulled out my camera and went to work. The animals actually helped me become a professional photographer, because as I tried to make better pictures, I had to learn how to use a camera, composition, fine-tuning, and then post-processing. And no matter how rough a day I was having, spending an hour or two at the shelter proved to be useful therapy. 🙂
But though I love animals, I was really there for the people. I discovered all kinds of compassionate people who were fiercely protective of animals, so I knew they had kind hearts. Some were believers and some weren’t, and while I wasn’t there to preach, I did want to represent Jesus with every word and deed. Those people were my “world,” and though I had to give up that regular schedule because of family demands, I still do photo shoots for rescue organizations whenever I can. Because of the animals, but mostly for the people.
So if you don’t have a world in which to be a witness for Christ, ask the Lord to show you a world this week. If you love animals, you can always check out your local shelters. You’d be amazed at how much the experience will bless you. But whatever you do, remember Jesus’ prayer–He doesn’t want us to be cloistered Christians, but to live in the world and season it like salt. And light. That’s part of our calling.
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I loved this post! The heroine of my most recent book runs a non-profit dog rescue center. In the writing of that book, I researched the people who actually work and volunteer in that field and was so inspired! They’re dedicated and compassionate.
What a great profession to give a heroine! The folks who rescue animals are amazing, and give so much. :-). Thanks, Becky!
What a great reminder to be in the world but not of it. One of my steps into the world is in my neighborhood. We have barbecues every summer in the common area behind my house. We started doing it a few years ago after the HOA kept trying and failing to pull it off. So we just asked neighbors that back up to the same common area. That was great for a while, and this summer, we finally started getting other people from down the street to come.
But volunteering for the shelter is something I would love. And I have a nice camera. Maybe I should check that out. Of course, my greatest fear is that I would end up owning a few more dogs!!
LOL! I was lucky, because when I started at the shelter, my HOA limited us to two dogs, so I had filled my quota. Now I have three, the latest a rescue, and he’s still a puppy, so I am definitely at my limit (of patience and pee pads). :-). But I think you’d be a great puppy photographer–and I wrote a short book, SNAPPING SHELTER DOGS AND CATS, that can give you some tips to get started. But get the Kindle–the paper back is too expensive (due to the color photos). 🙂