The Great Commandment versus the Great Commission…
“Without Payment”.
At Shores of Grace, we are involved in many different aspects of ministry. However, collectively and yet individually, we realize the necessity to keep the "Great Commandment" before the Great Commission. Recently, the founders of Shores of Grace initiated a team book study with the text, "Experiencing the Father's Embrace", by Jack Frost.
Two weeks ago we were reminded that Jesus says this is the most important: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Then, go and heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, disciple the nations, and give freely of what we have not paid for (Matt 10:8, Matt 28:19). This is a reminder that we cannot give of what we do not have, nor is it required of us to do so. However, upon lavishing our love on God, we then can complete the task of giving to others what we were never charged to receive. How can I ask someone else to pay me for the work on the cross that I never endured? Is this the kind of love you offer? Do you give of only what you have earned or paid for? Do you give at all? Do you give of what you have gained without charge?
Without Payment in Practice…
While shopping for fruits and vegetables in the market, some of our teammates and I have made efforts to build friendships with various vendors. One man from Egypt (whom we believe is a Muslim) has stayed in touch with us, and would like to come to our worship services…
The women from the favelas have been sustaining their own business of baking chocolate truffles as they are discipled and taught by team members here at Shores...
During the weekends, the children from the favelas gather at our base as we work to disciple them and reinstate the love they never received freely, and also have fun…
Majority of my time is now being spent working to bring freedom to the women (and men) in prostitution. Recently, our new friend Paulo, has decided he no longer wants to be a transvestite, but rather desires to return to his identity as a man. We believe Paulo will be one of many more that make the choice to willingly leave the prison of prostitution and return to their true identity, not just as male and female, but as sons and daughters of the living God.
Other News…The founder of Shores of Grace, Nic Billman will be ministering at Dayspring Church in Springfield, MO on the evening of October 1st. There you can hear more of a personal update about what God is doing in the lives of the missionaries here in Recife, but also of the ministry work itself. You can also purchase chocolate made by the woman!
[Dani pagnanella]
www.modernday.org/field-workers/dani-pagnanella
Pagnane3893@gmail.com | www.shoresofgrace.com
