“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2
Every Sunday morning, I get up at around 6 a.m. before the sun rises, while everyone else is still deep in sleep. Then, I get ready: I make my bed, have breakfast, and pack my things before heading out the door by 8 a.m. From my dorm, I go straight to University United Methodist Church. This means walking alone up and down hills for 20 minutes – rain or shine – by the way. Once I get to the church, I spend about four hours supervising children, from infants to elementary-age children, while their parents attend Sunday School and worship service.
Even if I have to sacrifice my much-needed sleep, I know that my part-time job as a childcare worker is part of fulfilling God’s mission for His people to take care of others. And not only am I able to help out a local church but also I’m being rewarded by God. I’m able to use my earnings to send my tithes to help my uncle, who is a pastor and who has a ministry in the Philippines. Giving my tithes is what my parents taught me as a way of showing my faithfulness to God.
Although I get paid for my work, I believe that God provided this opportunity for me to gain experience in working with children for my studies, as a Human Development and Family Studies major and Education minor at UNC. Most importantly, I’m able to continue being a disciple of Jesus Christ, even while being away from home.
Dear God,
I pray that I can be useful with my gifts for You.
I pray that I can be thankful for Your blessings.
I pray that I can be a faithful disciple for You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Kristina De Jesus is a member of Davis Street UMC and a student at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill