By Sami Hagar – Troy, Ohio
**Christian Family Fellowship just celebrated its 25th YES! Camp. Sami’s first teen camp was in 2005, her husband Jon attended for the first time in 2003, and now two of their children are campers as well!
It was a hot, humid December day in Georgia when I found myself in the back office of an auto shop with the owner, his wife, my husband Jon, and our children.
We stood in a circle, holding hands as my husband prayed for this couple and their business, praising God for the use of their workplace in his kingdom.
This wonderful couple had overflowed with God’s love through hospitality since we limped our truck and trailer into their parking lot the previous day. We were driving along the highway from Ohio to Florida when the truck suddenly overheated.
We pulled over to find coolant spewing out from under the hood. We prayed together, looked up the closest mechanic and limped along the highway, pulling over to pour water in the coolant reservoir every mile until we reached our destination.
A man came right out to greet us and check out the problem. They couldn’t get the parts until the following day, but in the meantime, the owner let us park our trailer in his shop parking lot for the night, plugging us into his power so we could run our air conditioner.
The following day the job was complete. We were amazed.
Jon was inspired to ask the owner if we could pray for him and his wife before we left. They had tears streaming down their faces as we prayed.
On the way out, I noticed a whole wall of thank you notes and cards from people that had been rescued on the side of the highway by this business.
Their hospitality had impacted hundreds of people over the years, simply by loving people well while going about their day in the workplace.
Be Intentional
I drove away in tears; in a sense thankful that we broke down and had to spend a bunch of money—just because I got to witness this couple using their business to love people well.
I could tell you a dozen stories from our time traveling—of businesses and individuals going abundantly above in order to help us out of a mess.
People so often think that they need a church or ministry-related platform to do something for God.
But in reality, our journey through life IS our platform for God. Wherever we go, whatever we are doing, if we can be intentional about loving people well, then we are pointing people toward him.
My dentist’s office has scripture on the walls, muffins in the waiting area and Christian music playing. I feel like I’m soaking in worship while getting my teeth cleaned! I know of a local coffee shop that supports the community in many ways, too.
What do they all have in common?
Hospitality. They love people well.
Most of us spend a great portion of our life at work and there’s not much that excites me more than seeing this time being used as a mission field.
God Connections
I have the privilege of working in a business where it is much easier to exemplify hospitality than at the dentist’s office or the auto shop. For over 15 years, I have worked in the beauty industry.
Many of these years were in a high-end day spa, pampering people by way of luxurious robes, hot tea, fancy chocolates and top of the line services. In that setting, the whole experience needs to be elevated.
From the time the client walks in the door until they walk out, every detail matters. I love my business. Whether I’m washing someone’s feet during a pedicure, preparing a bride on her wedding day, providing waxing services or praying for an individual while I massage them during a facial.
I love the challenge of setting aside whatever is going on in my own life and emotions and focusing on giving the best experience that I can to the person in front of me.
I have had the opportunity to wash hundreds of feet and pray for hundreds of strangers. It’s so much fun to see who God puts in our path along the way. God is always making connections.
I have clients who have become great friends and integral parts of my life. I have had clients become amazing ministry connections. I have had clients that I have only seen one time, yet our conversation impacted my life forever.
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV
I encourage you—wherever your journey takes you in life, whatever you do for work, make the person in front of you a priority.
Love well and God will work miracles for you as well as for those he brings across your path.
Sami Hagar lives with her husband Jon and their five children. Sami continues to work as a cosmetologist, and they recently became intentional about the mission field of the local skate park through the launching of Troy Skate Church.