Serving for the Soul – HSC Nepal Testimony by Emily Shapiro

“The more I serve, the more aware I am that service is about my salvation.”

In James 1:27 Paul writes that the only “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” It is interesting how the world is in constant battle as to what “religion” is the truest. Even we, as disciples, can get wrapped up into what way is truly the “right way”, and what does God truly accept. This argument is the toiling of men as God has already answered the question.God says directly in this verse what He views as pure and true religion. He does not say whose religion is in question, whether it is the one serving, or the one being served. It is easy sometimes for me to consider the religion and salvation of those I serve, rather than looking at myself with sober judgment. In the Bible, God frequently calls for His children to serve the poor; however, whenever He speaks directly about the poor, He says that theirs is the Kingdom of God. We must, therefore, consider that serving is more about us keeping our salvation than providing it for someone else. This was the biggest lesson I was able to learn while serving on HOPE worldwide Singles Corps in Nepal.

Upon landing in Nepal, one could tell that the earthquake had left both the city and the people in shambles. As you walked around the beautiful city, there were buildings crumbled into rubble. It was difficult to look through the desolate foundation, and see a home where a family once lived. Once you connected to this thought, it was nearly overwhelming.