Many are the workers serving people in need, here in Marshalltown, Iowa.

It’s really cool to observe, and see the way individuals & groups use their abilities & resources to offer assistance.

Children, full of energy, serve as gatherers and runners. Women, gentle & nurturing, greet and listen to individuals & families who have suffered loss. Elderly women prepare food, and keep everybody fed. They frequently give a loving pat on the back while speaking encouraging words. Men, young & old, use their strength to lift & haul not only food & supplies to those in need, but also heavy debris and trash from the property of local citizens.

To JC & me, one guy in particular stood out. He wasn’t very talkative; and when he did have something to say, he was soft-spoken. He called no attention to himself. He just worked hard and diligently; and continued to show up, day after day, committed to serving others.

On Saturday, a group of workers traveled here from out-of-town to assist the locals in clean-up. After a few jobs had been completed, they discovered the remaining work – hauling large debris from people’s yards to designated dump sites – required trailers; none of which they had.

Two days later, on Monday, our soft-spoken & hard-working friend Joe showed up to work. He was driving a large, 4-wheel drive truck, and pulling a heavy-duty trailer that operates like a dump truck. Joe had recognized the need for a trailer, and came equipped to do the work.

Turns out, Joe is trained for rescue operations. He has the gear, training and equipment needed for emergency situations.

Furthermore, his genuine care for people is apparent in the way he speaks. A woman arrived at the building, requesting food, and he greeted her. I had never before heard Joe speak on behalf of the body of Christ, regarding the congregation’s role in the recent disaster. I listened as he explained to her that they are there, not just temporarily – to give out food & supplies – but, also, to help with long-term needs; to assist them in getting their lives back together.

He was so genuine & courteous.

The next day, JC & I received some really exciting news.

Joe & his wife had traveled to meet up with some of the brethren at bible camp, with a specific purpose in mind. In the lake, one of the elders immersed Joe in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of his sins!

We are delighted & full of joy.

Now, Joe is not only a devoted servant, but also our brother in Christ.

Colossians 1:13-14 NASB

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

John 5:24 NASB

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” – Jesus Christ, the Son of God