Q: I’m a third-generation Adventist and am 24 years old. I grew up in the church. I’ve had good and bad moments, but have tried to get closer to God. I’ve had a lot of disappointments with my church community. Now I feel a great calling from God to do something for Him, but I have no idea how to start. My brother left the church two years ago. I’d like to see him back here, involved; I’d like to get myself involved in something. I don’t know what I can do. I see my pastor trying to make some changes, but most of the people don’t want it. I keep praying, studying, I keep going there every Saturday. But I’m doing nothing to save others. Do you have anything to say to me? — Évelin, from Brazil
A: Évelin, rather than focusing on the frustration of watching other church members and their lack of enthusiasm for church activities, find one or two other members who want to be evangelistically active and decide what you can do to bring a positive influence. Submit your life to the Lord, asking Him to work through you and then begin with some simple methods of interacting with others to share your daily experience and walk with the Lord. God will enormously bless your witness for Him and help you to enthuse others to do the same. For example, get a small group together to visit a home for elderly people and sing for them, give them a hug and pray for them. Find an orphanage where you and some friends could encourage young people with some simple gifts and good singing and reading of the Bible to the young people. Take one hour and pass out some wonderful Seventh-day Adventist literature about God’s love during last-day events or some other important topic.
There are many other practical aspects of reaching out to others in Total Member Involvement. Ask your brother to join you in one of your special activities sharing Christ’s love. Ask God to soften your brother’s heart and give him peace. Once you start doing something for others you will feel happier and others will join you in this wonderful work. As you work for others with some of your friends, you can share with them about the importance to be positive in responding to the good changes that your pastor is trying to make; generally, this will be well-received. Earnestly ask the Lord in prayer to give you a positive experience in helping others and you will find that it will lift your life to new heights of fulfillment and Christian happiness.