One Year at CHF

So today (July 13, 2010) I have officially worked one year at CHF.  Not really a big deal, but also... kinda a big deal.  This year has been extremely rewarding, challenging, interesting, and joyful.  Aside from working for one of the most Christ-centered, cost-efficient, compassionate, and loving charities/ministries, I have grown more in my walk and fallen more in love with my Savior this past year because of my work there.

There are a lot of things I like about my job, there are a lot of things I dislike about my job.  My post isn't about the things I dislike.  This post is about the people and experiences I have had this past year that has led me to a great knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ and his many attributes.

This past year, I met a man who gave up life in El Salvador, moved here with essentially nothing but hopes and his love for his wife who was here.  He worked hard shifts, learn to drive a semi-truck, and grew in the faith.  He has served faithfully for about 5 years.  He will go anywhere, pick-up anything, and talk to anyone in the name of our Savior.  This guy has shown his love for me in so many ways, one can only see Christ through this man's life.  O ya, and he also LOVES dimsum and traffic.

This past year, I've had a boss exactly like Michael Scott, I guess that makes me his full time "Ryan".  Anyway, I've seen leadership and love from a person who, in my humble opinion, seems to be the prototypical boss.  Fair, just, playful, approachable, prudent, respectable, humorous, loving, and HE GOT YO BACK! More than that, I see his love for his family, wife and kids, and it is exactly as Christ loved the church, self-sacrificing and loving.


This past year, I've learned more about what it means to be compassionate from a woman who has become a great personal friend.  She is the type of person that will tell you how it is (which I appreciate), yet do it in a way that is loving and kind.  She can take a joke, and dish it right back in your face.  She'll go to see TSweezy with you, know more about NFL football, and go to food trucks with you. More than these small (but great) things, she taught me that we can't judge or make assumptions on what we see, or form stereotypes, but to love unconditional as Christ did.

This past year, my preconceived notions on what church, fellowship, and interactions with the body was shattered.  I've talked with co-laborers in the faith, brothers and sisters, who love the Lord and seek to serve the church in assisting them in compassion ministry.  They are of different denominations, different teachings, and different backgrounds, but we remain united in the greatest bond, Jesus Christ, through his shed blood.  They've taught me that there's more to life than hearing sermons, reading books by the usual authors, or living in a Christian bubble.  The Christian walk isn't solo, it's a battle and journey with co-runners in Christ.  They've taught me that life is about the life on life interaction, pushing each other towards the upward call of Christ.

One year down, twenty nine to go?  My roommate and I always joke... "One more day, that's going to be the rest of our lives!" as far as work...  Maybe it's funnier when you're there...

I am a sinner and nothing, yet God is gracious and faithful.  I am thankful. =)