“Unsung Heroes”

Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

I recently came across an article named “Unsung Heroes” that describes the lives of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Among the twelve, Peter was the most outstanding; he was the leading of the disciples. His brother Andrew, on the other hand, was generally unnoticed. But it was Andrew who introduced Peter to Jesus. Andrew actually played an important role by bringing Peter to Christ but he received little attention. I consider Andrew an “unsung hero”.

God made us unique. Some of us are like Peter, who receives lots of attention, and some are like Andrew who receives little attention. The Bible certainly has many memorable figures like Peter. However, it is marvelous that the Bible also records the stories of lesser-known persons like Naaman’s wife’s maid who by introducing Naaman to Elisha actually brought healing from leprosy to her master. When Naaman was healed by his faith in God, he made an amazing statement: “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel” The little act of introduction by the maid had influenced the knowing and honoring of our God for two nations (Syria and Israel). The maid was an “unsung hero”.

Most recently, when I saw many brothers and sisters working together to serve God single-heartedly in the Mandarin and Cantonese Alpha programs, I praise God for these “unsung heroes”. Some of them are new volunteers or helpers that I have not been well acquainted with. It really doesn’t matter. Like the example of the twelve disciples and Naaman’s wife’s maid, some of our brothers and sisters received lots of attention because they stood in front of our guests and ministered to them in a very visual and direct way, very much like Peter. However, many of our volunteers and helpers serving in different areas are like Naaman’s wife’s maid who worked behind the scene but served vitally important roles in the kitchen or in ensuring the programs to run smoothly.

Actually, I always thank God for brothers and sisters who serve God whole-heartedly in different areas and departments at our church to glorify God. The Bible tells us that, all that we do faithfully to honor God will always be noticed and remembered by Him.

God knows, that is enough! All our labor in Him is not in vain. (1Cor 15:58). Let us encourage one another to keep up our good work in serving God faithfully. Praying that, one day, we will receive His praise: “Good and faithful servant”!