The Privilege of Serving

October 2009

Resident H. Howard Witmer

My wife Miriam and I came to Landis Homes six years ago after many years in bi-vocational activity. I served for more than 50 years in various positions in our church such as Pastor, Bishop, and Conference Secretary.

Miriam was a volunteer supervisor of a clothing bank in Lancaster city. We served in a number of volunteer projects in the church and in the community. We also raised sheep and had a small business selling kitchen gadgets at Root's Country Market. We have a son and a daughter, five granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren, (four boys and two girls). We had a very busy life and now are very happy living here at Landis Homes.

A few weeks ago, Sue and Joyce of the Volunteer Office posted a short pithy statement on their WLH-TV 13 slot which caught my attention. So much so that I printed it on a card and stuck it to the wall in my study, just beside a picture of a puppy and a kitten relaxing beside each other.

I should tell you what impressed me. It was "People who like others are people others like." That statement describes so many people here at Landis Homes, including residents, staff, and administrators. They are all pleasant people, and give a cheery greeting when they pass you in the hall. It is a way of cultivating an attitude of love and good will. I think people here like each other. It is what makes living at Landis Homes a pleasure.

I continued to be amazed at the number of residents who are doing volunteer service here at Landis Homes. They all seem to be enjoying it. I am sure they see this as a way of showing Christ-like love by serving others.

In his book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster has a section on "The Discipline of Service." He writes that "true service is a lifestyle" and "true service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need". He also states that "true service builds community".

Another activity that thrills me is the number of prayer groups here on campus. People are gathering in groups on a regular basis to pray for specific people and ministries around the world. We are not an isolated community out here in the rural farm land. Landis Homes residents have a world view. They are aware of what the Lord is doing in His world and in His Church.

There are a lot of good things going on here at Landis Homes. It is exciting!

back  |  printer-friendly version