Friends in Fellowship – PtP Prayer Letter – August 2025

Dear Friends,

Please see the poem below, by Ellen Sturgis:
“I slept, and dreamed that life was joy;
I woke, and found that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.”

Source: The Dial (July 1840)

Service is no doubt joy. People offer voluntary services at orphanages and old age homes and find great satisfaction. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to the least of these my brethren (hungry, naked, sick and prisoners), you did it to me (Matt. 25:31-40).”

But Jesus put service in perspective when Martha asked Him to instruct Mary to help her in preparing dinner for Jesus and his disciples. Jesus was no doubt grateful for their hospitality but He made it clear that Mary chose something good – to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His word (Luke 10: 38-42). Mary choses to sit at the feet of Jesus hanging on to every word of Jesus. Martha, on the other hand was concerned about every dish that was to be prepared for Jesus. Mary was all for a time with the Lord and Martha was all about service for the Lord. Service that flows from supping (intimacy) with the Lord is acceptable to Him.

As counsellors, let us prioritise the practice of the presence of the Lord over service to the Lord, even providing counselling services. It pleases the Lord and there will be much fruit.

Yours on Christ,

Dr. Samson Gandhi