What triggers an act of service? Sometimes it’s a simple, unassuming conversation. Such was the case for Comfort Dog Handler Sue Bandman during one recent afternoon discussion.
Upon arriving with Asher for their regularly-scheduled visit to the home of Rose, a solo homeowner, Sue and fellow handler, Alice Hutchinson, were overjoyed to find that both they and their host had been vaccinated against COVID-19. All three ladies recognized immediately that their new vaccination status would allow them to enjoy a pre-pandemic-style visit. Each knew that she was certain to appreciate the opportunity to relax and delight in her first mask-less, indoor visit with the others in the more than fourteen months since the pandemic began. As their excitement over the return to normalcy gave way to casual conversation, the three women commiserated about any number of topics. However, one subject in particular triggered Sue’s instinct to serve.
At some point during their afternoon tea, the ladies’ discussion had turned to the challenges of caring for a home. As an example of a little thing that can pose a big problem, Rose shared that the lock on one of the exterior doors to her home was no longer functioning. Concerned that the inoperable lock posed a security threat for Rose, Sue was determined to help resolve the issue. So before leaving Rose’s house, she snapped some photos of the door and lock.
Upon returning to her own home, Sue emailed the images to select members of Bethel Lutheran Church, asking if anyone had suggestions about how to approach the needed repair. It wasn’t long before she received a response. Bethel’s Property Manager, Monte, had seen the email and photographs, and wanted to help. Needing to see the lock in order to determine how to best solve the problem, he arranged to meet Sue at Rose’s house that very day. In no time, Monte had removed the lock from the door and was on his way to a professional locksmith for some guidance.
It was some time before Monte returned with the disappointing news that the locksmith believed that the lock could not be repaired. Undeterred by the professional opinion he had received, the ever-vigilant Monte proceeded to reinstall the lock, and then began to formulate an innovative approach to alleviate the potential danger posed by the unsecured door. After having had the evening to ponder a best fix, the next morning, Monte paid another visit to Rose’s home, this time with the tools and materials necessary to effect the needed repair. Before long, Monte had restored the lock to working order and provided Rose with a renewed sense of security.
But this story does not end there. When Sue contacted Monte to reimburse him for the repairs he had made, Monte refused the offer. He then shared the story of his own mother, who had lived as a widow for a number of years. He recounted how the many caring kindnesses of her neighbors had been a true blessing in his life. Monte told Sue that he felt called to pay forward those acts of service by helping Rose. He also informed Sue that Rose had given him a small payment as compensation for the work he had done. He noted that although he had not felt right accepting the money, he had done so out of respect for Rose, and would be donating those funds to the LCC Comfort Dog program.
Thanks to Monte and Sue for sharing their story and for their response to this opportunity to serve to God’s glory as the hands and feet of Jesus through Faith’s Asher Comfort Dog Ministry. We praise God for the servant hearts He has planted within them.
“…but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13b