Though we were raised hundreds of miles apart, my husband and I share a similar summer memory. In fact, I think it’s a common recollection for most who grew up in the 60s. By day, we freely roamed the streets and playgrounds of our neighborhoods—pretty much unsupervised. Early each morning we hopped on our bikes and left home to explore and battle and conquer that world around us. Our days ended when by some mystically choreographed signal, the air filled with varied singsong bellowing. All around the neighborhood, ballgames came to an abrupt end, dolls were haphazardly packed into wardrobe cases, and secret treasures were quickly hidden away. Kids picked up discarded bikes and raced home. Mom had called.
We all knew what it meant when the afternoon waned and Mom stepped out on the front porch. When we heard the distinctive blare of our own name (or, in the case of the Powell kids, the piercing whistle), we knew there was no time to spare. Everything had to be abandoned at the sound of Mother’s call.
This Tuesday when our new President takes office, he will undoubtedly address America with a call of his own. Be ready to take action when Barack Obama calls this country to step up to community service. Mr. Obama campaigned on a platform of “citizen engagement” intended to lead the nation into expanded voluntary service. His plan calls for increased civic service opportunities for working Americans, retirees, and disadvantaged young persons. It outlines proposals to broaden AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, integrate service-learning into public education, and help non-profit agencies introduce and grow successful service programs.
Americans will respond to this call. People believe in Barack Obama and the promise of change he brings to government. It is also well acknowledged that Mr. Obama comes to the presidency with a background rich in public service. His campaign calls it the “cause of his life.” As a student, Obama was active in poverty and health care issues in the US, and movements opposing South African apartheid. He served in community development and voter registration projects in Chicago. When President Obama makes the request for all Americans to step into voluntary service for the good of their communities, people will answer with resounding “yes.”
The more important thing, however, is not that the call is answered. It is whom we answer to. When my mother stood on the porch of our home on Berry Street and called my name, I responded. I reported to her. I didn’t peddle my legs off and then check in with the next-door neighbor. I went to my mom. And if by some chance I did not show when called, she returned to the porch. She called until I answered.
A young apprentice was serving in his master’s work place late at night. The boy fell asleep, but awoke at the sound of his name. Immediately, he went to the master to see what was needed. But the master had not called. He encouraged the lad to return to his own quarters.
Soon the child’s sleep was again interrupted. He returned to the master and was again dismissed. The boy heard his name a third time and went to see what was required. Finally the master discerned it was a greater call.
Three times the Lord called to Samuel (I Samuel 3:1 – 10). In obedience, the boy responded each time, but he did not answer the one who had summoned. Samuel could not fulfill the call on his life until he answered the One calling to him.
When our new president puts out the call for service, thousands—hopefully millions—will respond. In the excitement of this new era and hope for change, many will step forward and volunteer in their communities. We will answer in obedience because of the one who gave the call, but we won’t answer to him. Barak Obama will not hold us accountable. Likely, he will not stand before us and wait for a response.
But God does. This call to increased community service is not the brainchild of the American Democratic party—it’s the work of the church. Jesus asked His followers to care for the “least of these,” to visit the prisoners, feed the hungry and clothe the naked, to welcome strangers. The need for that work continues today. God is calling His people to mentor, build homes, to make beds and prepare meals at shelters. He’s asking for our vocational skills to teach, heal and nurse, fundraise, entertain. He needs our financial resources. God has placed the call; He is the one we answer to. He holds us accountable. He will call repeatedly if we don’t answer. And God is blessed when the response the same as young Samuel's, “Your servant is listening.”
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