What Do You Need?
In the Gospel of Luke there is the story of Jesus meeting a blind man. We learn
from the Gospel of Mark this man’s name is Bartimaeus, Blind Bartimaeus he’s
called. He used to sit by the side of the main road running through the city of
Jericho begging for help. This would be like a person today standing on the side
of the Stratford road holding a sign that might read “Help, I need to buy food”.
After a while, such a person becomes invisible in a way. Bartimaeus had become
hard to see, so in the story he yells at the top of his lungs, “Jesus, have mercy on
me!” Jesus hears the cry and stops. Calling the obviously blind Bartimaeus to
come close Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”
If you were in the same situation and Jesus asked you, “What do you want me
to do for you?” how would you answer? Bartimaeus knew what he wanted and
what he needed, replying, “Lord, I want to regain my sight.” A simple ask that is
immediately answered by Jesus. Jesus heals him and gives him sight. Bartimaeus
leaps about with joy and follows Jesus up the road. Of course he does, wouldn’t
you?
So, how about you? For many of us, our needs are not so immediately obvious
or even simple to express. How about our community? What does our community
need? In the weeks ahead, we’ll be asking people in the Hockley Heath area what
they see to be the greatest needs for the community. We’d love to hear from you
regarding the needs in the area. Via a few simple questions we want to learn more
about the needs people feel are most important:
Community Needs Survey
1. What do you believe to be the greatest need in the Hockley Heath area?
2. What is your greatest need?
3. What is your family’s greatest need?
If you have thoughts, please feel free to contact us via our email address. All
responses will be kept anonymous and confidential. Hope to hear from you soon
as we learn together
Pastor Lawrence
