Inventive Hospitality

This morning, while reading Romans 12:11-13 in the MSG version of the Bible, I was struck by how deeply it speaks to the mission of Refill Trip. The passage says:

"Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality."

For a long time, I had interpreted "needy Christians" as only meaning those who are financially poor. But as I meditated on this scripture, it struck me that it can also mean Christians who are spiritually or emotionally depleted—those who are needy for rest and restoration. In today's fast-paced world, workers, business owners, pastors, and parents often pour so much of themselves into their work, ministries, and families that their cups remain empty. We pour ourselves out to the point of becoming poor. But we don't have to remain in this state of depletion. We have a loving, generous and abundant Father who can restore and refill. God is waiting and ready to restore us but we have to invite Him in.

This realization is at the heart of Refill Trip. We hope to create an experience where people can step away from the grind, raise their hands and say "yes" to allowing God a moment to refresh you. Not by us, but by God, who works through these moments of rest.

Romans 12 calls us to be "inventive in hospitality." My hope is that Refill trip is a creative way to provide hospitality for those in need of God's restoration.

Burnout is a reality for many but I am cheerfully expectant to see how God uses our inventive hospitality. I will continue to pray for those financially, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally "needy Christians" - That God may fuel them and keep them aflame!