Pat McMahon, a talk-show host in Phoenix, once interviewed Mother Teresa for his program. He was so impressed with her that afterward he told her that he wanted to do something for her. "I'd just like to help you in some way," he said.

She said to him, "Tomorrow morning, get up at 4:00 a.m. and go out onto the streets of Phoenix. Find someone who lives there and believes that he's alone, and convince him he's not."

I believe in the type of ministry Mother Teresa talks about here. But we must also remember that we don't have to venture into the inner city during the wee hours to find those who believe they are alone. You and I see them everyday. We may have attended church with some of them this week. Some of them live next door or work in your building. The world is full of people who have lost all meaningful connection with others, and who, convinced they are alone, live empty and isolated lives.

It is up to each of us to make a difference. I think of the story in Mark 2, when Jesus was preaching to the crowded room. A paralyzed man was brought to him, and when his friends couldn't get him through the door, they climbed the house, made an opening in the roof above Jesus and lowered their friend down. Mark writes...

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)

The man was healed that day, and his sins were forgiven, because his friends cared enough to show him that he was not alone. It was their faith, and their faithfulness, that brought a miracle into this man's life.

Look around you. Someone nearby believes that he or she is alone. They need someone who can help carry them at least part of the way to wholeness. It could be you who gets them there.

With Love,

Mike