A Family of Warm Disciples

A disciple is someone who believes and supports a person.

A friend is someone who believes and supports a person as well.

Therefore, a disciple is a friend.

On the first Saturday of this month, we had an overnight-stay at a resort. It is a Feast-wide gathering and fellowship of all Warmth servants.

When we were about to go to the venue, it was raining hard and all the vehicles are jam-packed with tons of people lining up. So the group decided to get a v-hire for all of us, including some of the production servants (just to drop them off).

When we arrived at the venue, the place is more likely exclusive for us. Then we settled in, freshened up and got ready for the activities.

The activities are simple but a lot of hard work and thinking. It even includes teamwork, cooperation, support and guidance to complete the tasks as a group.

It was so funny and fun at the same time. I made all of them as my friends that day. We cracked jokes, bullied some people (for fun), shared a lot of things to one another and helped out on our food.

As what we usually do at the Feast, we accommodate and bring warmth to each other on that day.

 We shared our impressions to one another. We got to know more and learn a lot from each other. We even got to chit-chat with them.

At the end of the gathering and fellowship, we winded up as very close friends. A family of very close friends.

Then, it struck me. I just realized that we are not just servants, but friends. And as friends, we are disciples as well.

Disciples are not just harvesting fish among the vast sea. They’re not just preaching the Good News to people. They are not just making attendees to servants. They are not just followers to the rules. They are not just aiming for more members in the group. They are not just making people to serve.

Disciples are friends.

Friends are helping and supporting people. Friends will break rules just to help them. Friends care for the welfare of others. Friends listen and understand the good and bad sides of people. Friends wait for people when they are ready to serve.  

Sometimes, we tend to forget what the true essence of discipleship is. Making disciples is making friends. As long as we make a lot of friends, we make a lot of disciples as well.

Personally, I made lots of friends in the light groups I have. But it doesn’t mean that I have to let them serve because I need them to.  I let them serve when they wanted to, no matter how long and how ready they are.

Just like in the Warmth gathering, they are all ready to help, serve and make friends. They even wanted to help me in my service no matter what other people may say. They will do it because they wanted to and they care and support me. That’s an act of true discipleship in my case.  

That’s why I love serving in the Warmth ministry. Because I see them as my family of warm disciples.