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Enjoying and sharing mangoes |
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Written by Ryan Showalter, director of Discipleship Ministries
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The rooster was still calling the sun as the man spread out his sheet in his favorite spot in the town square. He neatly placed his last fresh mangoes in perfect little pyramids and expectantly waited for the sales to begin. But after a few hours, his belly began to rumble and remind him that it was lunch time. With disappointment he realized he did not have money to buy even a meager lunch from his friend’s stand across the market, since not a single mango had sold.
 As the day wore on, the man thought the hot Tanzanian sun would surely invite people to eat some fresh fruit. Still there were no sales. Realizing his only food that day would likely be a mango, the man pulled out his pocket knife and cut into a piece of fruit. Juice dripped onto the dusty ground as he cut off a slice and slipped it into his mouth. Instantly he was taken back to his childhood playing with his friends under the mango trees. Surely this was the best mango he had eaten in years.
Startled from his memories, the man looked up to see a woman watching him eat. Without hesitation, he cut off a thin slice and offered it to her. Eating it, she agreed that even though it was early in mango season, this one was very ripe and delicious. She bought two mangoes for her family, thanked the man, and turned to walk away. Having overheard the exchange, another man close by stopped and bought a mango as well. Before the seller knew it, the sun was setting and he was selling his last piece of fruit. The tired man gathered up his things and headed for home. He reflected happily that this was one of his most successful days in the town square.
This story from Africa can be a parable of our own lives. We, like the man selling mangoes, have something wonderful to offer the world around us. Yet often people around us don’t notice what we have to offer. As the man in the parable stopped and tasted the goodness of his own fruit, it was only natural for him to share it with others. People around him also wanted a taste themselves.
What our world needs to see is not more people selling religion, but rather more Christians experiencing and enjoying God in a personal way. This kind of experience is contagious; the joy of the gospel is truly good news. When others see our joy in the Savior, they will want to know him as well.
This is not only the essence of Eastern Mennonite Missions; it is also the essence of the gospel. The Word encourages us to deepen our personal walk with the Lord, and to then share him with those we meet. When was the last time you took time to sink your teeth into God’s refreshing Spirit-filled word? When did someone notice that something was different about you? Or commented about the way you respond to adversity?
I encourage you to spend time today in God’s Word. Allow him to fill you, to change your attitude, to build your faith, and to equip you to share with those around you. Will you join with us in our many town squares around the world … in both enjoying and sharing mangos?
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Positions Available
Join StaffX at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center to grow spiritually and in leadership skills as you mentor and serve others. Current volunteer staff openings: Community Outreach Coordinator, Mission Mobilizer, Office Assistant, and Prayer Coordinator.
Contact Sherrie Ober if you are interested.
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