A reflection by Rev Roberto Ochoa, Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conference Minister.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8)
One of the privileges I have serving as Conference Minister for the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences is learning of the innovative ways pastors and congregational leaders do to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. From engaging in community service to working with youth in sports and academic leadership. Our pastors and congregational leaders find ways to model our United Church of Christ of love, values, visions, and justice, sometimes in quirky ways.
While attending an Association annual meeting this past spring, it is my custom to ask everyone present to introduce themselves, their location, their ministry and a little bit of themselves for the gathered. I believe in mutual meet and greet, and I never get tired of hearing the amazing stories of those doing ministry in the UCC.
One such storytelling that I know I will always remember was a pastor from a small-town church who shared with us that she is known as the “Jesus Lady” in her community. It all began when she found and purchased this small Jesus figurines made of plastic for her youth at church, however she had to buy it in bulk. So, as part of her ministry she began offering “a little bit of Jesus” to folks whenever she encountered them in a café, the bank, the store…and especially if she sensed that an individual could use a smile. Then she offered all of us a little bid of Jesus, and the room just lit up with so much joy, and yes laughter, and for that moment, I could feel we were all one in Christ.
Ever since then, I carry my little bit of Jesus in my pocket!
Soon Pentecost will be upon us, what many believe is the beginning of the Christian church and faith, and the celebration of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that gives us the power to be witnesses in Christ. This Holy Spirit grants us courageous gifts of evangelism, prophetic preaching, and inspiration to act as disciples of Christ. It doesn’t have to be as bold as Peter and the Disciples speaking in tongues as described in Acts 2. Most often than not, our sharing of the Good News of Jesus are done in the small gestures of offering “a little bit of Jesus” to someone who needed to hear that they are being seen and loved or just to be present when words are not enough.
This Memorial Day we remember all those that gave of themselves for the freedoms that we have and sometimes take for granted. As an Air Force veteran myself, I honor my siblings, sisters, and brothers that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. And it is in their legacy that I will continue to stand up and fight against those that would attempt to erode the basic freedoms of human dignity that ALL are entitled to have in this country, especially in the name of religion. Let the Spirit of God’s Justice burn in us always and be witnesses to God’s Love as Jesus taught us. I urge you to share that “little bit of Jesus” when you can, and may it be often. Our world now more than ever can use a little bit of Jesus from those of us that have found the hope and joy within our faith that sustains us even in the tough times.
And, if you find yourself needing a little bit of Jesus…don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust in your beloved community…or you can reach out to me or someone from our conference ministerial staff like one of our Associate Conference Ministers or Conference Deacons. We are here for you Church to pray with. walk with, and to serve you in Christ.
May the blessings of the Risen Christ through the Holy Spirit be upon you, yours, and ministries.
Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto