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The work ethic of the Zambian Encounter team amazes me. I do not believe I have ever seen such consistent, habitual, and daily servant's hearts like I see in these young men and women. It's just who they are. Let me give you a few examples: As I was painting a house on the Encounter farm earlier this week, every time I would go to move my paint pan, and ERM Zambia team member would immediately be there to move my paint pan so I would not have to reach very far to re-dip my roller. They did this while painting at the same time themselves. Anytime they see you working, they immediately stop what they are doing to help or to take over so you do not have to do the chore. Today I was picking up some garbage and a team member looked at me and said, "No Pastor Mark, I will get that." I've been watching these late teen and 20 somethings for days, observing their diligence and joyful attitudes in all that they do, and I found myself filling up with joy just doing things with them. The day I helped paint the house, I walked away from the project thinking to myself, "That's the most fun I've ever had painting in my life." Today, after the youth conference, I saw a Zambian ERM team member picking up some garbage, so I went over to help. It was the first time in my life that I was truly full of joy picking up trash. As I was putting bottles and used papers in a plastic bag I thought, "It's an honor to pick up trash with this team member." Then we got all of it up, they refused to let me take the bag to where it needed to go. A few minutes later there were some big tables that needed to be moved. I helped one of the guy Zambian ERM team members move the table and all of a sudden, a girl team member came over and said, "Pastor Mark, no, I will get it." I told her no, but she insisted. It is not my custom or belief that ladies should be doing that kind of work when there are men around out of respect for the women present. But, off she went with my end of the table. Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many." Jesus knew that it was far greater to lay oneself down for the good of others than it was to live selfishly for yourself. Joy really is: Jesus first, others second, yourself last. It is more blessed to give than to receive. No one can ever change this, and no one ever will.
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