Scripture: I Cor. 12:4-10, Psalm 105:1-6
MIRACLES IN MINISTRY
When the word miracle is mentioned, one would think that it would be
mentioned often in the Bible. This is because, if you think about miracles,
they’re everywhere.
The birth of a child -
Continued cures for diseases -
The age of computers, Internet, et al -
Trick photography –
Do you remember the movie, “Robin Hood” – where the camera could
actually trace the flight of that arrow that we could see, due to the
miracle of our own miraculous eyes.
Indeed, miracles are all around us. They happen every day – and
yet, I could only find the word miracle eleven places in the Bible.
This morning I would like to share with you miracles in a
somewhat different light. I believe that there are certain people who have
had great impact on each of us – individually, collectively, and even in a
global way. These folks are miracles because of how they have been
able to minister to us, both in the past, the present -- and even in the future. I’d like
you to meet four of these miraculous people:
- Many of
us know about this miracle man. At first blush, one would say….Baseball
player, famous athlete, what’s the Big Deal?! The real story
has nothing to do with how sharp his curve ball broke, or how much he helped
the Giants finish first in 1989. The miracle of Dave Dravecky centers
around his dealing with a cancer that ended his career, ended the use of his
left arm and shoulder, and publicly began his faith journey – indeed, his
ministry!
A very small part of that ministry unfolded when following his first surgery
to remove a malignant tumor from his pitching arm, Dave made what most
consider the greatest comeback in sports history. He actually returned to
the pitching mound – that is in itself no small miracle! He won the game –
now if you’re a loyal Giants Fan you’d call that a miracle, too! He pitched
a second time and in the midst of another gutsy performance he broke that
same arm! His pitching career was over, but from the discovery of his
cancer – and to this day – his pitching of his supreme faith has never
wavered.
Ultimately, Dave had his left arm and shoulder amputated. He is free from
cancer – mostly free from pain – and free to peacefully pursue his ministry
– sharing his faith in God and continuing to help others who battle disease
in their bodies. The miracle of Dave Dravecky lives today and that miracle
has very little to do with baseball – the miracle is in his ministry.
- The next
miracle-man needs no introduction! His name really says it all – Michael
Landon….if you’ve watched just one episode of “Highway to Heaven” you know
this legendary man walked that path during his lifetime. The sensitivity,
humanity and compassion he showed the world in every program he wrote,
directed, or starred in helped thousand – maybe millions in our world – cope
with life’s realities and unrealities.
Michael’s untimely death will do nothing to stop his miracle of ministry.
TV re-runs, a biography of his life, and a movie of his life – all of these
tributes will serve to minister to a world that needs that constant reminder
of what faith, love of family, love of life, and love of God are all about.
- If I say
the word “Bees,” you more than likely will think of bumble, honey, sting and
similar adjectives. Well, I’m speaking of a miracle Beas – his real name
Bud Beasley. We called him Coach Beas or just….Beas.
He holds the Guinness Book of Records for number of years taught – 66! Now
there’s that word again – miracle – Beas and his widow, Nellie, adopted 17
children over many years. Beas was – and always will be – a legend, from
Pacific Coast League Pitcher/Entertainer, to Coach and Athletic Director at
Reno High School, to Educator for decades – he literally pitched to
thousands of us.
Always up-beat, always willing to go the extra mile to help a child, always
the smile and his famous wink – true examples of one man’s ministry.
Beas died a month ago at the age of 93. You are cordially invited to attend
his Memorial Service which will be held this Tuesday ( August 31st )
in the gymnasium at Reno High School from 4 to 6 p.m.
- What a
privilege to mention my final example of a miracle in ministry. Travis Linn
is a name forever etched in any Hall of Fame you want to create: lst United
Methodist Church, the University of Nevada-Reno Journalism Department, or
CBS News years ago.
I am truly blessed to have been close with Trav. From dinners where I would
ask one question and joyously sit back and listen to this articulate, bright
and humorous man respond – to days on the golf course where there were
always more laughs that half-way decent golf shots, to hearing former
students tell stories in unison about Travis was always there to listen, to
advise, to help in any way possible.
Truly, Travis Linn’s life was one of ministering to so many of us. He will
always be a miracle-man to me.
In closing, I want to share with you a letter I came across that
hopefully will show not only a miracle but also a ministry – and this is a
two-way ministry.
We are being ministered to by the author and we have ministered
to him. Do you remember Ryan Maloy? An outstanding young man who carried
the burden of living with a heart severely damaged. Our community responded
by raising money for a heart transplant for Ryan. He became a local hero
and in spite of best efforts, Ryan lost his battle. His letter says:
“I think about what you have done for me often. Your generosity and support
give me the strength to face what lies ahead of me and my family.
“I see your faces, read your messages and I am not afraid anymore. I always
knew that the people would save me, I knew you would help me get my second
chance. Your love for a boy you did not know has inspired me to make a vow
to God, a vow to help those in need just as you helped me.
“You are now a part of my life and I love you. I thank you for what you
have done and my family thanks you.
Love,
Ryan Maloy”
Miracles really happen
Ministries really occur
I hope that there are Miracles in Ministry
happening in your lives.
Look around you – they both abound –
Both the Miracles and the Ministries!
. . . . . . Amen
