Chuck Waterman
Each Sunday, Gabe ends his message with, “God bless you, and God bless others through you.” These words stay with me. I always want to be ready to give an answer about the hope that is in me. When people hear about me going to Haiti on my Christmas break or all the way to Armenia, they ask me why I go. I tell them “to build playgrounds,” but also, to bless others with the knowledge of the hope I have in Christ.
I have always loved interacting with children, and a few years ago I got involved with an organization called Kids Around the World (KATW). After a trip with KATW to Mexico, God opened a door for me to get more involved. My wife, Julie, and I felt called to contact KATW to see what we could do. They recommended we be trained as installers. I don’t really know why God called me to this in particular, but I have realized more and more through my involvement that God loves children and wants them to come to him. He uses KATW to be a blessing to children, and for me it’s both an opportunity to serve kids as well as an opportunity to tell them and their families about Jesus.
I remember one young boy approached me on a trip to Armenia, and we talked through his broken English. I gave him a knitted beanie, and the smile on his face was awesome. I pray constantly that God will use me in the lives of kids, but at the same time God blesses me when I witness their reactions. I love these trips because I see firsthand how my involvement goes beyond just sending money to actually impacting kid’s lives.
We all have a different call, different chances to get out of the “pew” and do kingdom building. Everyone at Spectrum Church can get out there and do something, and then look forward to someone asking you why you do it. And when it happens, that’s your chance! Tell them about what Jesus has done for us through his death and resurrection!! People will certainly respond to you in different ways, but as a friend of mine says, “Evangelism is a process and God is responsible for the results.”
Chuck is looking forward to returning to Armenia in September for a playground build. If you would like to know how you might support him, be sure to find him at church. He would love to share his heart for the gospel and for KATW with you!
