Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate… Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall…  and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower… Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house… Next to him, Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner. Nehemiah 3:3, 8, 26, 28 and 31

As I read the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, the careers of those involved just jumped off the pages of the Bible for me. Nehemiah was the King’s cupbearer, but he was able to recruit all types of people—priests, goldsmiths, perfume‑makers, temple servants, and merchants—into this massive project of restoration. They all rolled‑up their sleeves and did their part to restore their section of the world.

Recently, I went on Peachtree’s annual mission trip to Africa to host a summer camp for over 250 Malawian students whose high school, technical school, or college school fees are being paid by generous individuals of Peachtree. Alongside me on this mission team were a bank executive, a flight attendant, a decorator, a MRI technologist, a pastor, and a nurse. Each morning during camp, a team member taught a biblical lesson to the large group, then we each helped to lead small group bible study discussions. In the afternoons, we cheered the students on in field day competitions and service projects.

With vastly different work and educational experiences, this team came together to invest in the next generation living in one of the poorest parts of the world. Many of these students have graduated and are returning to their home community as teachers, nurses, software engineers, builders, and soldiers in the Malawian army. Now they are investing their lives into building a wall of restoration in their section of the world.

No matter your background, your education, or your experience, there is Kingdom restoration work to be done right where you live as well as all over of the world.

For Reflection

Where might you roll‑up your sleeves to be a part of the work of restoration?
What team could you join to do this good work?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, This world is so broken, but what a gift and joy it is to join you in the work of restoration. Open my eyes and my heart. Open doors for me to participate. Give me the courage to rebuild your Kingdom in my section of the world. Amen.