Serve within your sphere of influence.
Cory O’Hara and Morgan Corum, Pastor and Director of Bellevue’s Middle School Ministry (MSM), shared, “We decided to direct our MSM missions efforts toward something we are passionate about that’s right in our backyard. Dexter Middle School became that for us! Only a few of our students attend Dexter, so it was also a great opportunity to connect with the student body and invite them to Bellevue!”
The team began by meeting with the principal of Dexter and offering their services. Now, middle school students and leaders volunteer at Dexter during Bellevue Loves Memphis Workdays, beautifying the campus and packaging bags as a blessing to the students and faculty. They also look for ways to serve throughout the year. Cory and Morgan shared, “We’re hosting a field trip to Bellevue’s campus for games and activities as a reward for positive behavior and good grades. We often visit the school during lunch to get to know the students and faculty better, invite them to events at the church, and ultimately, to show the love of Jesus.”
MSM is encouraged by the hand and favor of the Lord. As they have been obedient to share the Gospel and live out the Great Commission right in their own backyard, they are beginning to see the fruits of their labor, as well as the ongoing faithfulness of God.
Serve within your spiritual giftings.
As a member of Bellevue since 1986, Don Russum Sr. has served faithfully in multiple capacities for over 35 years. His heart for the Memphis community is followed by action, taking personal responsibility for his opportunities to be a blessing and a witness to the lost.
Here are a few ways Don serves, “From 1986–1995, I taught a men’s Bible study. Then, I began serving as a Bible study teacher for the Bellevue Truckers Christian Fellowship at the Hwy. 64 Truck Stop. We later moved that ministry to West Memphis, and the team witnessed to other truckers, inviting them to a chapel service. Robert Wagner and I taught on alternate Sundays. In 2003, I began working with Bellevue Car Care ministry, where we support widows, single moms, and wives of men in the service.”
Don, to this day, serves with Car Care ministry. Following Hurricane Katrina, he answered the call to be a part of disaster relief in the Gulf Port area for two years, rebuilding homes and building a church for the residents who endured a natural disaster. In 2008, Don became a team leader with Bellevue Loves Memphis, once again answering the call to put actions behind his heart for the Memphis Community. Don has served at Bellevue in various other ways for years: Legacy Thrift, Christian Mobile Dental Clinic, attending a short-term missions project in Vancouver, Washington to install a playground for River City Church’s ministry, and so much more.
When asked why he chooses to serve so often and diligently, even at 85 years old, Don shared, “ I can’t think of a better way to have that life than to serve Him with the gifts and talents that He has given me (Ephesians 2:10). My love for God and for man, whom God created, is what motivates me to give of myself. All that I have is His. I want my time, spiritual gifts, finances, and experiences to be used to the fullest–used by Jesus.”
Don encourages Bellevue members, “Be sensitive to time our Lord has given to them. Ask the Lord, how can I use my spiritual gift(s) to serve in or serve out to build Your kingdom?”