The courtroom was full. Lawyers and clients filled the rows and as case numbers were called each came forward to present whatever defense that was they could but mainly were there to plead for the best sentence possible. The bailiff called “State versus John Weston, case number MC66090. Drunk and disorderly, and resisting arrest…..” I rose from my seat along with my court appointed lawyer. Coming before the judge he asked, “How do you plead?” He never looked up from the file in front of him as I said, “Guilty, your honor.” At that my lawyer then tried to convince the judge that I was sorry and seeking to be allowed to do community service instead of jail time because I had a family to support and they would have to be dependent on state aid if I was incarcerated. When he was finished the judge finally looked at me, his face was stern as he spoke, “Mr. Weston, the charges against you today are serious and I see this is not the first time you have had issues relating to drunkenness. Sir, do you believe you have an alcohol problem?” I tried to answer with a steady voice but had a noticeable tremor as I said, “No your honor, I believe that I drink only occasionally and not to excess.” I could see He wasn’t having any of it and said, “After conferring with the city attorney, I am going to sentence you to 6 months of probation and community service. Also, you must enroll in a state recognized alcohol rehabilitation program and pay a $4000.00 fine plus court costs…” I was in a daze as I left the courtroom, my life was a mess again.
Within two weeks I found myself enrolled in AA again and assigned to a community service program that was associated with a local church. I begged my lawyer to try to get something different, I did not want to work with ‘holy rollers’ but he advised me to not only show up but do everything I was instructed. Failing to do so could lead to serious jail time. I knew this was true and accepted my fate.
It was then that I met Tom, he was the community service coordinator for the Bethel Baptist Outreach. We met at the church offices and he was going to explain the work I would be doing. As we shook hands, I felt very uncomfortable. I had not been on any church grounds for many years and being here to meet with this straight-laced Christian was the last place I wanted to be
As I entered the office, he rose from behind an old wooden desk and came around to shake my hand, “Hi, I am Tom Wilson.” I shook his hand but did not return his warm gaze. As we sat he began to explain the program, “Our mission is to work with and feed the poor of this area. I understand you have a food service background. We are asking that you join our kitchen staff. You would help cook and serve the dinner meal which is served twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday nights.” He looked at me expectantly but I said nothing, just shook my head in agreement. We made arrangements for me to for me to start the next week. As I was leaving Tom said, “John, I can tell you aren’t happy to be here but all we ask is that you work with us and treat all our visitors with respect, can you do that?” I answered, “Yeah, I can handle it.” He smiled warmly as I left.
Over the next 6 months, twice a week I worked in the church kitchen. My attitude never changed toward the people I worked with yet never once was I shown anything but what a now recognize as Christian love. Tom often came to my home and he knew the financial hardship the sentence had put on my family. Often, he brought some groceries with him and maybe something special for my son.
At the time, the best I can say is that I endured those months and when they were over returned to my lifestyle without much to show for it. We moved on not long after and the people of that church including Tom were soon forgotten.
But God has a way of using all things for our good. Almost 5 years ago I heard that our church was starting a soup kitchen. The head of our community service was attempting to expand our outreach to the needy of the city. I decided to volunteer. Again, my food service experience came into use. For a few years the kitchen struggled but eventually it took off and we were serving sometimes over a hundred people every Tuesday. As I found myself in charge of the kitchen the memories of Tom and his people became my model. Their unfailing love shown to all that came through the door was my goal for our outreach. In fact, it was Tom’s prayer that I prayed every Tuesday before we opened the door, “Lord do not let us forget to treat every person who joins us today as children of Yours, deserving of the same love you have shown us…”
God had a plan for our lives before we are even born. He told Jeremiah His plan for him in this way, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) No He does not appoint all of us to be prophets but he does give us gifts and provides ways for us to use them. We just need to be willing.
Many years ago, I was sentenced to work for the good of others and I did not see that if I would have opened my heart at that time God would have been waiting. I sometimes regret that but know His timing is perfect and today is a good day to do His will. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make you paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6) I have learned to trust this and like the old saying says, “Better late than never.”
I know Tom and most of those who worked with me are now gone but they are certainly not forgotten. The love they showed continues to grow. May we all be able to say that before Jesus comes again.
Blessings John
6/21/17
A lesson in community service…
