Jesus, when asked by the Pharisees which is the great commandment in the law, answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Throughout His earthly ministry Jesus demonstrated what it looked like to “love your neighbor” as He went about healing sick, loving the children, feeding the hungry, ministering to the woman at the well, and to the woman caught in adultery. 

Jesus even shared the parable about the good Samaritan with the lawyer who asked, “And who is my neighbor?” and taught that we too were to love, serve, and show mercy to our neighbor.

No one does this better than those called to serve as Kentucky Mission Service Corps (KY-MSC) Missionaries.  For example: 

--Kaye Heseltine loves and ministers to cancer patients going through radiation and chemotherapy.

--Lester & Bessie McPeek provide diapers and baby items to young mothers who struggle financially.

--Kimberly Robinson ministers to young, expectant teens.

--Marvin Gore & Annette Robinson provide food and clothing for needy families.

--Renee Parsons mentors and assists individuals in career opportunities.

--Lee Rust & David Little minister to men and women in prison.

--Travis & Christie Lynch mentor at-risk youth.

--Linda Otterback & Mary Jane Schopp minister to widows.

--Alex Tarnagda works with internationals and refugees.

--David & Nelle Thomas minister to children and youth in an after-school type program.

--Roberta Robertson serves in a Christian-based home for special adults.

This is just a sampling of the many ways our KY-MSC Missionaries show and share the love of Christ with their neighbors.  As individuals and churches we also have many opportunities to “love our neighbor” in similar ways. 

Over and over in Scripture we read that Jesus saw and met the needs of those around Him.  May we too open our eyes and look around for ways to love, serve, and share Christ with our neighbors in need.

Verse 3 in one of my favorite old hymns, “Make Me a Blessing” by Ira. B. Wilson, reads:

“Give as ‘twas given to you in your need,

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed,

Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing,

Out of my life may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.” 

Teresa Parrett is a missions mobilization coordinator for the Kentucky Baptist Convention.