Seeking Lost Sheep

One of the greatest challenges to those of us in ministry is making friends and building relationships with those outside the forever family. The demands of study, message preparation, worship/preaching services, counseling, administration and our own spiritual health are all legitimate. However, they may also serve as distractions and time robbers, providing excuses for not making meaningful connections and interaction with nonbelievers.

I’m so grateful for my connection and welcome with the Helderberg Fire Brigade here in Strand, the community in the Western Cape, South Africa where I live. The ministry includes visits to the main fire station an average of twice a week. Sometimes it’s to eat a meal with the firefighters; sometimes it’s visiting and/or praying with individuals; sometimes it’s attending evening roll call (9 pm). It’s always a pleasure and affords time with my Moslem friend, Mr. Thomas, and several others involved in a church with skewed ideas about Christ and salvation plus encouraging believers who are on shift. While the main involvement is with Platoon 1, members of Platoons 2 & 3 as well as firefighters from two other substations are often among those I meet and greet during my visits. Friendship with all the shift commanders has resulted in a standing invitation to visit their stations anytime.

Here are just a few examples of opportunities the Lord has provided beyond the walls and halls of the church building and in addition to leading and feeding the flock. Justice was rushed to emergency with stroke-like symptoms; I was privileged to wait for his release and return him home. He was later injured when struck by a pickup while fighting a roadside fire. Visiting him in the hospital and at home provided an intimate connection with him and his family. Manny has had some serious marital difficulties. It’s been my privilege to have him stay with me in my home then later, after husband and wife were reconciled, to entertain the entire family with a cookout and swim. Godfrey’s wife has serious health issues. A visit to her in the hospital and several times of prayer in their home has provided a context for further witness and ministry. Faku was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis. Since she has transferred to another station, I’ve not been able to contact her personally but have communicated my concern and assured her of my prayers. Ministry to these brave and committed first responders has been specific as well as the general visits and friendship.

According to Scripture, the shepherd left the sheep in the fold to seek the one that was lost. The ministry to the Helderberg Fire Brigade is a lost-sheep-seeking mission. Please pray with me the lost will be found and brought home to the fold.

Dave Drullinger
ABWE/South Africa