BEing the church is still what God calls us to do today. But what does that look like? One day each week we will hear stories from within our Cross Creek community, of people who are taking intentional steps to BE the church to their community. This week we will hear from Jim and Misty Ufholz, and what BEing the church looks like in their lives. Jim and Misty have recently stepped out in faith and are pursuing ministry through full-time RVing cross-country – learning and serving where they find themselves around the country. Here are a few questions we asked and Jim and Misty’s answers:
Can you tell us what spoke to your heart about serving your greater community in this way? Was it the people you would be serving or maybe the cause itself?
Jim & Misty: Our decision to travel the country full-time in an RV began as a result of the pandemic and riots last year. We felt a strong calling to grow beyond our current lifestyle. Although we avoided the news and social media, there was no way to ignore there was a sense of emptiness and anger in society. We made the decision to slow down, experience the beauty of a country God personally designed for us, meet people and learn about their stories, be the hands and feet of Jesus, and share the God moments we experience along the way.
Has this experience changed you at all? How so?
Jim & Misty: We have been traveling for just over a month and the experience has definitely changed us. We have learned we are not in control and have had to rely on God completely to guide us on this journey. We do not know where our new calling will take us but have learned to just be available, ask Him for guidance, and be ready to see what He has in store for our mission.
Are there any verses that come to mind when you think about serving in general or serving in this way?
Jim & Misty: We have several verses that have spoken to us and many that are revealing themselves as we continue our journey.
Read Matthew 5:13-16
13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Read Ephesians 4:1
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Read Proverbs 16:9
In their heart humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Read Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Read Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Any other things about your serving experience you would like others to know about serving?
Jim & Misty: We believe serving involves conquering fear and stepping out in faith. It is easy to say we are too busy. It is natural to feel vulnerable. It is understandable to believe we are not worthy to share Jesus’s teachings. We have also felt all of those things. However, what is true is that these are all lies Satan wants us to believe. But here’s the cool thing, God is more powerful and prepares us to serve. He commands us to be salt and light. That doesn’t mean He is going to force us but He desires us to have a servant’s heart. One that serves from a spirit of joy and not obligation. All we need to do is open our hearts and he equips us with openings in a busy schedule and confidence in our ability. Begin by paying attention to the nudges you may be feeling and most importantly show love wherever you go. God will take care of the rest and I promise, He will bless you beyond anything you could have ever imagined.
