Episode 27 with Leon Mills

Elim MPower

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In this episode we are chatting with Leon Mills, the manager of the foodbank on the staff team at Birmingham City Church.

Leon talks us through his role in overseeing the foodbank – how it originally started out, who it serves and its heart to bring the compassion of Jesus to people in financial difficulties. He explains how the foodbank feeds people physically with food for up to 3 days, and also spiritually through offering prayer. A big driving factor for him in leading the foodbank is that people are known and valued for who they are, no matter their circumstances.

He reports that the pandemic has seen a rise of people needing the food provision, with all sorts of people needing to make use of it, and he gives us a breakdown of the kinds of food that people are able to take away with them after they visit.

We get into an insightful discussion about the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus and talk about Jesus’ teaching about compassion that comes through so strongly in that powerful story.

Leon suggests that a hindrance to compassion is a lack of empathy. In other words, if God allows us to go through hardship, he could be gifting us the capacity to have more compassion towards others – and so we must continually attempt give time and energy towards other people’s situations and the feelings they are having. The danger for the rich man was that he was defined by his wealth. Is what we are worshipping going to turn on us, and destroy us?

We note that the rich man’s five brothers also ignore Lazarus, and that it only takes one person to pipe up and press for more compassion to completely change the plight of someone in need.

Leon offers three really helpful ways for men listening to increase the compassion further: reaching out to the people all around us; offering to pray for people; and offering our service in a bigger cause. All of these things open up and increase our compassion so much.

Leon shares a moving story about a woman who broke down in tears after receiving some unexpected Christmas presents alongside her food parcels, and how kindness still has universal currency.

We play ‘spin the wheel’ and in response to the fitness / food option, Leon talks about his regular fitness routine a martial-art fitness called Capoeira; and his love for Jamaican ackee and saltfish! Leon also reminisces about leading the drama ministry at BCC; and admits to a love of playing of charades, in which he gets to cater his acting skills.

Leon closes in prayer for all the guys listening in – a meaningful and yet fun chat, Leon, thanks!