Let Your Lantana Shine
“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Each month, volunteers from our church spend a Saturday morning working in bushland near Rouse Hill. We are part of the local council’s Bushcare program, which includes training and supervision.
The bushland reserve is located in a residential area. Most of the time is spent removing weeds by hand, so that native plants can thrive. A thicket of prickly lantana covers the whole area and we have gradually cut a swathe into it. I hate lantana. It’s toilsome work and will probably take years to complete the project.
As we sweat, many dog walkers and joggers pass by on the footpath, watching. People normally do yard work if they own the place or if they are paid to work. We’re serving because we want to love the community and “let our light shine.”
Often, locals have expressed appreciation for the project. Some have recently applied to join in. This is the first church ministry I’ve worked in where strangers want to help.
Community service does not replace the Gospel. There are more threatening weeds to uproot! Yet there are many ways for people to see our good works and glorify the Father.
Ben Kwok
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good thought Ben. I know doing some community work around Cairns has been a real positive for everyone concerned.
“There are more threatening weeds to uproot!” True.
Great post. You make a good point.