i’m a zoo keeper!

So the past two weeks my squad has been given the opportunity to do zoo ministry! During the 3 hours we are there each Thursday afternoon we hear the workers’ testimonies, hang out with the animals, and also do work alongside people there. 

Last week a small group of us helped carry metal fences across a grassy area to make a pasture for the cows and horses. As I carried the rusty, mental fences I was struck with the thought that a year ago I could have never imagined that the Lord would have brought me to Georgia to work at a zoo. As I sat with these thoughts, the Lord opened my eyes to the large pasture we were building. Each fence I carried was needed to build the home for these animals. The Lord reminded me that each opportunity we are given is pieced together to help form our heavenly home. We are His vessels and wherever we are, the Lord is using us to further His kingdom. Each fence relies on the other to stand, similarly each experience and opportunity we are given is needed to fulfill His purpose.

As Luke 17:20-21 says, “Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” He is here and at work in each and everyone’s lives. Through the experiences we are given, He is transforming us and preparing us to ultimately fulfill His will and His plan. The Lord has uniquely created each of us to be a part of building His kingdom and we are all needed in these unique ways to do so. The character of Jesus is a reflection of the kingdom of God. This is our example and our call on how to live. Every opportunity can be used for Him whether we are overseas, at the grocery store, or at a zoo in Georgia. Each fence I carried was kingdom work. Thank you Jesus for this sweet reminder.