We build people

As I was on the treadmill at my neigborhood Y, the sign that had been up for a long time really caught my attention and ministered to me on the treadmill of all places at about 250 burned calories and a body drenched with sweat. The sign had the YMCA logo and read "We build people."  That is the name of the YMCA's capital campaign in which the funds will be used to do just what it implies, building people.

What more could you expect from an organization whose official name is the Young Men's Christian Association?  The Y has a long history in meeting the needs of others.  Its history goes all the way back to England in the 1840s.  I know that when we think about the Y today, we may simply think about the nice gym.  However the Y extends itself beyond the walls of its facilities to provide health and wellness education to the community, after school tutorials, summer day and boarding camps, and the list goes on.

As I thought about the "We build people" Capital Campaign, I became more pensive as I am about to embark upon discerning the call to serve in the diaconate in my church.  Christ has called us to build people.  We build people through exhortation, education, empowerment and edification.  There are thousands of broken and hurting people in our community.  Our charge is not only to build them up, but to reach one and teach one.  Say it with me...We Build People!  I build People.  Ok, let's not just talk about it, but be about it.  In your building and edifying of someone else, you may find that you have been built up and fortified as well.

Peace,
Karsten