My mom and dad have served in many capacities at Centre Street Church over the years.  In February they were honoured at a luncheon for the volunteer visitation teams.  One pastor told the story of my dad (Ed Archer) visiting a young man who had been in a terrible accident and lost the use of his legs.  This man was angry and bitter about what had happened.  My dad visited him and gradually saw his perspective improve and soften.  The pastor concluded saying to my dad, "Ed, I don't think this is over stating the situation, I think you saved this young man's life."  The blessing of coming alongside a person in need and visiting with them can change lives.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:35-40)

Brian Archer is an EMCC Regional Minister, based in Didsbury, AB