So how can you be a shepherd in today’s world? A guy following around a bunch of sheep with a crooked staff really doesn’t have a place in the 21st century, does it? John 10:11 in The Message reads like this: “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.” Jesus Christ, the best example of a true “Warrior-Shepherd,” tells us that underlying it all , a shepherd must sacrifice himself for the lost sheep–the lost of this world.
So, again, how can you do this today? The are many different ministry opportunities that you can do right now to be a shepherd to the lost of this world.
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Staying close to home? Reach out to the homeless, the poor in your town or city. They’re there–don’t think that your town is immune to this…look for ways to help at your local food bank or shelter, try www.servenet.org or www.volunteermatch.org to find something in your area, or simply make a meal or do something nice for a family in need.
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Looking to reach out, make a difference around the world, but can’t go there yourself? Take 5 minutes to visit Five for 50 — Tom Davis and Children’s HopeChest are building up strong, Godly leaders from the millions of orphans in Africa. A $5 donation can feed an orphan for a month. Easy.
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Want to do more than just give financially? Want to live the Shepherd’s life, living each day to the fullest, giving your life away for others? Do you want to make this a lifestyle, not just a conviction? Talk to the folks at The World Race , who are on a year-long trek to bring the love of God to the world. Or visit the blog of Gary Black , who is setting up a g42 training center in Swaziland, Africa to build an army of believers out of the continent devastated by AIDS.
So, we can’t be a shepherd in today’s modern world, eh? I beg to differ.