Joy in cleaning commodes
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This past Saturday a small group of folks from our church met to do a “Dirty Job.” We had buckets, cleaning supplies, rubber gloves and slightly apprehensive attitudes. The plan? Go clean public restrooms as a way of showing people that God loves them.
A few of us were, well, not exactly looking forward to the opportunity to serve our neighbors. However, by the time all was said and flushed, everyone had a blast!
The response we received as we entered a gas station and said, “Hi! We’re from Journey Church, and we’re going around town today cleaning restrooms as a way of saying God loves you,” were priceless. One older lady in a gas station who was waiting on her oil to be changed said, “Well, I reckon I’ve never seen anything like that,” as we left.
I was grateful that our son Sam got to go with another group, while our daughter Adelyn was in our group. Sam got to work alongside of other folks from our church and see their attitudes and joy in doing something normally distasteful for the glory of God. I told Carolyn how awesome it is for kids to see that nothing is beneath us when we are working to remove barriers in peoples’ lifes from knowing the truth about Jesus.
If he was willing to wash His disciples’ feet, we should be more than willing to_______ (you fill in the blank).
A friend of mine, Stacy Reed, is the pastor at First Baptist Church of Fordyce. We saw him at our church’s Game Night at Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home Friday night, and when he learned of our Serve Day project, he suggested the following:
- We’re reaching your soul by cleaning your bowl.
- Don’t get in a rush, we’ll do the flush.
- We’re trying to be sweet by cleaning your seat.
Any other ideas out there?
We’re looking forward to our next Serve Day next month.
January 21st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
those lines are SILLY. funny tho. just thought you’d like to know that we’ve been attending a new church started here in town started by doug pruitt, who used to be on staff at church at rock creek. we really like it and believe it’s where God is leading us. thought of you guys i guess b/c it’s a new church! lol
January 21st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
WOW! I’m just trying to process all this, and I’m sorta in a daze. If you remember, I was the only one who could do “such a good job” cleaning our commodes at home. At least, that was the line you, Amy, and your dad always used. I’ll have you practice your newly acquired skill next time you’re at the Noble house here in LR. : )
Seriously, what a unique teaching tool for kids (adults too)! I’m sure it did blow some people’s minds.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I love this idea!
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January 21st, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Interesting way to serve…outside the walls of the church…inside the bowl of a toilet.
“Nice to meet you, we’re glad we’re here…we can take care of any smear…”
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 am
Now that’s funny Travis.
Mrs. Noble it was Jeff’s idea to clean the bathrooms. Isn’t that interesting.
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:16 pm
OH…Stacy will be thrilled that he has been referenced and quoted!! I think the next time you do something like this I’ll send my kids along to learn the lesson…I think I have to go to the funeral that day….. : )
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Umm I just don’t have any idea what to say here!! Or at least not anything constructive?
January 24th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Jeff,
You and Journey are blowing my mind! The city is going to take notice that someone is willing to selflessly serve and be an earthly example of the servanthood and love of Jesus Christ!
Church leaders everywhere need to be taking notes (I know I am).
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January 26th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Sorry I missed it! I was there in spirit though… I have to clean my commode and the entire surrounding area a few times each day thanks to a certain 3yr old boy that shall remain nameless. ;) Maybe next time you want to do a service project you can come clean MY bathroom? ;)
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January 26th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
TJ, thanks so much for your kind comments! We’re not doing anything that a number of other fellowships aren’t doing. Just simply trying to remove all barriers and excuses for people who look at churches as being too stuffy or “above” certain things.
Mandy… uh, can I give you Ryan’s number for your cleaning job? ;)
And Travis, GREAT line!
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February 5th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Great way to get out and serve in your community. Sorry I don’t have any great slogan you can use :)
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