I ran into him at an office store where I was buying a 2009 calendar. As soon as I saw him, my heart lifted. I know him to be a friend and supporter of missionaries... including me. I also know him to be one of the best handymen in the business. He's been to my house many times to make up for my domestic incompetence... and usually makes sure I don't pay too much. I love this guy. I've broken bread with him in his home. He's special to me. "Hey man, it's great to see you!" I said as I hugged this bearded 50-something year-old man right in front of the store clerk. "What are you doing?"
"Getting my life for 2009 together," he said, smiling holding up a 2009 calendar.
"Me too! Though I'm not so confident about getting my life together anytime soon," I said with a twinkle in my eye and a smile on my face... joking... but not really. "I just talked to Stacy about having you help me with my 2009 honey-do list," I said hopefully.
He said, "I'd be glad to help you with that list. But check this out. I'm not going to do the handyman thing much longer. I just don't have enough time and energy to do all that needs to be done to do the business by myself."
"So what are you going to do?" I asked, starting to feel slightly alarmed at the possibility of not having his help with my 2009 honey-do list.
"Well, you know I'm in a small group with [names a prominent and respected Christian man in the business]. He offered to hire me at a very wonderful salary... and I could do what I'm basically doing right now without all the headaches of the business side of things."
I said, "Hey, that's great. So that's what you're going to do then?"
"Well, no. I prayed about it and I sensed God wanted me to join a couple of others guys. These two guys are real close to beginning a relationship with God... but they're not quite there yet."
I gently slapped him on the left arm and said, "Wow, I can't think of a better guy to help them on their journey. Are you getting a similar deal with these guys?"
"Yes and no. Yes to doing what I do best without having the headaches of the business stuff. No to the really wonderful salary part." Then he paused, looked me square in the eyes and said with humility and conviction, "I just think this is something God wants me to do... and we both know this whole journey isn't about money."
Wow. Here I am in an office store minding my own business, and God shows up. I knew the words were coming from my friend, but my spirit sensed I was hearing directly from the very heart of God (Luke 15). This guy is not just some highly skilled handyman who is at the beck and call of the highest bidder. He's a man on a mission... a mission from God.
He's a missionary disguised as a handyman.
I looked at this hammer-swinging missionary and said, "I will be praying for you and your ministry."
Now, what about you? Yes, I’m talking to YOU. Are you living to make a living... or are you living to make disciples?
Click the comment link below and fill in the blank: "I'm a missionary disguised as a ______________________________."
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