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Every Sunday thousands of sermons are preached in churches throughout the world. Many of those sermons inspire and challenge listeners to act or respond to some need in the world. But, the vast majority of sermons preached everyday are not from the pulpit of a church, but from the lives of ordinary people living and working in their communities and neighborhoods. Perhaps you have heard this phrase, “The best sermons are lived, not preached!”

Last Wednesday evening I spent almost two hours with Julie and Warren Pierce at Panera Bread. We shared our dreams for our ministry and the ways we could help our new American friends from Nepal. We discussed how we could continue to help them feel loved and nurtured by the Christian community of Richmond’s First Baptist Church. It was almost 10 p.m. when we left the restaurant. As I walked to my car I had an overwhelming sense of fulfilment from my conversation with Warren and Julie! It is always refreshing to be with people whose mission is to help others feel loved and valued. Warren and Julie’s passion and love is contagious! I am reminded over and over again how this ministry is impacting the lives of our new American friends and even their families in Nepal. But, it is also impacting the lives of people right here who volunteer to help our new American friends—people like Julie and Warren.

Julie and Warren have been married for 24 years. They confess that they have had their share of challenges in life. But, they are people of faith. Some people complain about the world. Warren and Julie have chosen to do something about it. They live their lives loving and helping others. Their willingness to get involved with the new Americans has endeared them to the Nepalese community. Warren and Julie say that they have never been more excited about their lives! They are examples of how church is at its best when people are released to live out their passion for life and ministry.

For the last two years they have spent almost every week recruiting volunteers, collecting and distributing clothes, furniture, and appliances. They have been in the homes of numerous families celebrating special occasions like birthdays, new babies, and family celebrations of one kind or another. They have helped adults to find jobs, and have planned festivals, and community gatherings. On Sunday mornings they share the gospel stories of Jesus and have conversations with the Nepalese about their culture and religious beliefs.

The following is a brief sketch of a portion of my conversation with the Pierce’s at Panera Bread:

Ralph: What do you love most about the new American ministry?

Julie: I love the way it makes me feel!

Warren: I love the people!

Ralph: And, what would you say that this ministry has given you?

Julie: Joy!

Warren: A sense of purpose! It has driven home to me how blessed we are as a nation and as a people.

Julie: How free we are!

Warren: How extravagant we are!

Julie: How incumbered we are with all our stuff! I don’t think I have ever received more unconditional love!

Ralph: Yes! Our Bhutanese friends know how to practice hospitality!… You have been helping transport our friends to church for a couple of years now.  How do you think the new American ministry has impacted Richmond’s First Baptist Church?

Warren: It has forced some people to step out of their comfort zone….We are just trying to be their friends and help them navagate their way as they become Americans. It is gratifying to celebrate their successes and to see them do well…and, to know that we had a part in that…that we helped to make a difference in their lives. … We haven’t done much—just being their friends. Seeing them happy, seeing their pride as they learn new things, and watching their families grow…they are figuring it out!

Julie: I want to say again how much this ministry means to me… There is nothing better! It has strengthened our marriage. There is nothing better than being able to work alongside one’s spouse with common goals and sharing a common ministry.  We experience frustration and joy together as we work with the new Americans. We are in it together!  This ministry is just like marriage! We help each other get through the challenges. We encourage each other! Most of the problems we have are petty problems. We really don’t have any problems!…We wish more people would share in this blessing! The heartbreak is that many people are missing these blessings!

During the past couple of years Julie and Warren Pierce have given countless sermons! Not from the pulpit, but from the neighborhoods where they serve and love others. Julie and Warren remind us that ‘the best sermons are lived, not preached.’ Wasn’t it St. Augustine who said “Go into all the world and preach the gospel, and if necessary use words”?

Blessings,

Ralph

p.s. the photo above is that of Warren and Julie with a lovely Bhutanese lady, Tika Ghimirey, who spent most of her life in a refugee camp in Nepal. She lives in Richmond now with her family and is now employed at a local hospital.

Please note: The Bhutanese are originally from the country Bhutan but were forced to leave because of persecution. Approximately 100,000 Bhutanese have lived in refugee camps in Nepal, many for over 18 years. They are resettling in countries around the world. We call them our new American friends!

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