“Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
2 Timothy 2:20-21
I have been meditating on what this passage means for me, and other Christians during these days. Everyone is experiencing this unique time in history in their own way, and there are lessons for everyone to individually learn. These days have certainly brought on a unique set of challenges for many different people. Yet, we know that none of these issues are a surprise to our God. Most of the world is being told by their Government to do something they have never been told to do. That is, “Stay home!” It is the opposite of the American way to not be in a constant rat race of staying busy, working, and socializing. There is always something pulling our attention away from the things that actually have purpose and meaning.
For many of us, this moment in history can almost be thought of as a “reset button.” We now have more time to spend with our families, pray for others, and study the scriptures. God has given us an opportunity to evaluate what kind of vessel we are for His Kingdom. 
Are we living honorably, or dishonorably? Are we prepared to express a good work? I think answering that question is the best way to use our time right now. There is no better time to intentionally evaluate our lives, humbly ask God to remove our shortcomings, and to ask God to prepare us to take part in what He is doing.
How Can You Serve?
This thought brings me back to the ministry of SCORE International. One of SCORE Internationals core values is to “Express the Gospel through meeting Needs.” SCORE missionaries are currently meeting needs, and when the dust settles from this pandemic we are looking for you to partner with us through the following ways:
- Help the parents who are struggling to feed their family in Harlan, Kentucky by hosting a cookout where they can eat a meal together and hear the Good News.
- Go door to door in Eutaw, Alabama and hand the single mother groceries for the week.
- Help a church in Huntington, West Virginia host a Vacation Bible School, so the abused and bullied kid nearby can learn about a Heavenly Father that loves him beyond description.
- Send teams to host free sports camps in St. Louis, Missouri where athletes are told their value is not determined by how fast they can throw a baseball, but by how much Jesus says they are worth.
- Partner with mission teams who will knock on doors and invite the lonely to block parties where they can fellowship, eat a good meal, and learn how they can get connected long term with the local church.
- Bless an elderly widow with a new roof and tell her that we are serving her because Jesus loves her.
SCORE International believes that mobilizing teams to help meet these needs will help point people to Christ. First, we will be resuming mission trips domestically. Then as conditions allow, we will be resuming our service overseas. SCORE also has many financial needs. During this pause from the rat race of “normal” life, would you pray for the ministry of SCORE International? Please pray that we can resume trips soon. Pray that we can continue to be prepared to meet needs. Pray that God will provide financially for the ministry. If you would like to plan a mission trip with SCORE, discuss giving to the ministry, join us in another way, or tell SCORE how we can be praying for you, I would love to chat with you. Please contact me any time at jgaither@scoreintl.org.
James Gaither
James Gaither was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He left after high school to attend Georgia Southern University where he majored in economics. After college, James entered business doing marketing and outside sales. After some time, he was invited by the founder of SCORE International, Ron Bishop, to attend the November Baseball mission trip. James loved the trip and desired to be a part of SCORE International full time. His favorite thing about SCORE is the platform the ministry provides to help others, and it helps him live out serving those in need like Jesus did. He works with SCORE to mobilize and help prepare teams to go on mission trips. James also is the chairman of the SCORE International annual Chattanooga golf tournament. James has a passion for the less fortunate, helping lead worship at church, and playing golf.