Submitted by Lynn Jackson
I have been active in PWOC for 8 years and served in a variety of positions for a variety of reasons. See if you can identify with any of my experiences below.
1. First, I take any job in PWOC because I believe it is an opportunity to be part of God’s plan. I was amazed and inspired by all that God was doing in the first PWOC I attended. As Henry Blackaby put it in Experiencing God: see where God is working and join Him. That’s exactly what I did when I accepted my first board position as Spiritual Life VP. I wasn’t sure what the job entailed, but the Selection Committee asked me to serve so I accepted their assignment. It was a wonderful experience. My PWOC President was very patient, and the team I served with could easily have done the job without me.
2. Second, I sometimes take a job out of what Bill Hybels calls Holy Discontent. After enduring some very boring PWOC programs, I began skipping them and only attending PWOC on regular class days. When it came time to select officers for the following year, I put my name in for programs. I had a blast the next year, again serving with a great team, planning Olympic competitions and Bingo parties, etc. The Joy of the Lord is my strength!
3. Third, I serve to help others. Galatians 6:10 (The Message) puts it this way: Right now, therefore, every time we get a chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. I resisted serving as Titus 2 advisor once, but when the second opportunity came while we were stationed overseas, I accepted. I lead a Bible study for the executive board members outside of PWOC and made “coffee dates” with individual board members. It was a great year, not without problems and challenges, but we were all blessed as we chose to “do life deeply together.”
4. Fourth I serve to use the gifts God has given me. My primary spiritual gifts are teaching and administration. I seldom pass by the opportunity to teach, enjoying Bible studies, W.I.L.D. training, and teacher training, so when God gave me the opportunity to use my teaching skills to write for PWOC I was ecstatic!
God in His mercy chose to use my first less-than-successful efforts and gave me a second opportunity to serve as Bible Study Resource Coordinator on the PWOC International Board. Watch for the new PWOCI study God’s Love in 3-D being published by the American Bible Society. Again, I had the opportunity to serve with a great team. I am humbled, grateful and blessed that God has given me an opportunity to serve doing what I love!
So what is hindering you from serving? If you can’t identify with one of my reasons, pray and ask God to give you his reason for you to serve. PWOC is a safe place to grow in the Lord and be blessed!
