The Good Samaritan had nothing to gain from helping the incapacitated robbery victim he happened to stumble upon while making his way to Jericho.

No one was there to witness his benevolent act. Therefore, he likely wasn’t going to get any celebrity attention, pay raise or any other kind of honorary recognition because of his kindness.

So with this in mind, what do you think was the underlying factor motivating him to serve in this circumstance?

Perhaps it was the Spirit of Christ in him that gave way to a Spirit of Service.

You see, the Good Samaritan wasn’t concerned about his feelings, agenda or preconceived notions when he saw the wounded man on the road. He was just concerned about the task that lay before him, and that was caring for someone who needed his help.

Could you do the same?

With the exception of the non-negotiables that deal with our faith, could you reject your own attitude toward a plan, decision or colleague if it meant the success of this ministry’s mission or task?

Or could you accept a new attitude toward a plan, decision or colleague if it meant the success of our mission?

Could you demonstrate a Spirit of Service even if it required you to move out of your comfort zone?

Yes, the Good Samaritan had nothing to gain from helping the injured stranger. However, his story was not so much about his “gaining” as it was about his “giving,” and as Christians, we know that it is in giving with a true Spirit of Service that we truly gain.

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” –Luke 10:33-34, NIV

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Kudra is now taken care of by his grandmother. After the death of his father, Kudra’s mother remarried another man and left Kudra with his grandmother.

The grandmother of Kudra, Miriam, is now 53 years old, a widow taking care of seven grandchildren, of whom five are AIDS orphans.

Miriam is a subsistence farmer and became a widow as the result of the 1994 genocide. She is a Muslim woman but also believes in the healing power of Jesus Christ.

“I have been blessed to know more about Christianity during my encounter with Compassion student’s center at the Presbyterian Church.”

Dear Good Samaritans,

I am very proud that I am alive so that I can witness and testify to the love of God through Compassion’s ministry in our area. Dear Compassion, you picked up my grandson in the valley of poverty and enlightened him with knowledge and exposure to the better world of knowing God. It’s such an amazing act that only God’s true servants can do.

Three of my children died of rampant AIDS and left me with young children who seemed a burden to me due to my age and lack of resources to sustain them. As I watched my children die one by one in my hands, I was helpless — with no one to turn to and no one to comfort me — and was in a total dilemma. But finally I saw God’s hand through Compassion’s ministry that sponsored my grandchild Kudra, and my hope was restored.

I can guarantee you that every single day I live I will always say a prayer for Compassion that wiped away my tears through sponsorship.

It was such joy to see Kudra being registered by a Christian organization; it immediately revealed the love of God to me.

Kudra received all the required support needed for a better start of a new life. This included scholastic materials, medical care, physical support and awareness of the true God. Kudra was given a Bible, which he considers as a great gift, and it is always placed in the house for everyone to read, because it was the first Bible in our house.

In reality AIDS folded both my hands after I lost my children who were helping feed me and whom I saw as my future. It only left me with a burden of children always needing from me. Look at me. I cannot do any business or search for a job because I never attended school, not even having any skill that could sustain me.

In the recent earthquake that struck our area, the rented house fell down and we had to request temporary shelter from a neighbor. What really touched my heart is the way God revealed Himself to me once again when Kudra told me that Compassion had come for relief support and was ready to construct and rehabilitate all the demolished houses.

I was speechless by the love of God to a poor Muslim widow supported by Christians through Kudra’s sponsorship. I was really happy to see the saving hand of God through Compassion.

We were given kitchen utensils, blankets, mats, a basin and a promise for house construction for us. God, thank you for restoring my joy, hope and meaningful life.

Dear Compassion, AIDS has left no stone unturned in our community, but we thank Compassion for supporting us in different ways. I have seen Compassion widows of AIDS running business, rearing domestic animals, forming tailoring associations, and creating awareness to the entire community, and all the credit goes to Compassion’s ministry and praise to the most high God.

Furthermore I have seen Muslim mothers celebrating with Christians as a sign of togetherness that Compassion has brought to our community and making a difference in the world.

Thank you Compassion, for taking care of AIDS orphans, they have no one to turn to but only you Compassion — a mother, a father, a sister and a friend.

God bless you,

Miriam

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