A Life of Servanthood
14 CommentsA few weeks ago, I gave a message called “The Poor and Needy.” Below is a testimony of how a member in our church is living out this message. We asked Sherly Giglio to share about how her husband, Peter, has given of his time and money to bless others over the years. I hope this story will be both encouraging and provoking.
When I was asked to share about my husband’s generosity and his heart for the lost and needy, it was easy to come up with a life time of examples. For the past 32 years, I have seen Peter give, give, and give even more. He humbly serves without looking for recognition or anything in return. This is seen in many ways, such as: providing rides to people in need, opening our home and giving people a place to live, visiting a wounded soldier, going on mission trips, and giving financially to our church and other ministries, as well as to those in need.
I’d like to share the most recent example of his selfless generosity. It is something that was close to his heart:
Back in August of this year, Peter had the privilege of serving with Drew Garfield to help plan a work day at the Laytonia community, located across the street from Covenant Life. Initially, he gave of his time by attending planning meetings and liaising with the Laytonia Homeowners Association Board to see how we, as a church, could help them.
This was followed by numerous trips to Home Depot and time spent organizing materials. Finally, the big work day came. Volunteers from Covenant Life and Gracia Soberana labored alongside people from the Laytonia community. What a joy it was to see multiple races, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian working side by side each other. Most importantly, the work day provided an open door to share the gospel!
Another way Peter demonstrates his heart for the needy is that his main focus in business is to provide excellent service and be able to give even more money and time to further God’s kingdom. Peter recently did a commercial advertising our company. In the commercial, he let people know that a portion of the sales would be given to Give Uganda Water.
Peter recently returned from a trip to Fabens, Tex., where a team led by Grant Layman built an apartment for Dean Adamek (who runs an orphanage in Mexico that our church has partnered with). This apartment will allow his family and staff to have a place in the U.S. to stay when circumstances make it difficult to cross the border.
I am reminded over and over again, through my husband’s heart and example, of how much he loves the Lord and gives of himself so that the gospel continues to go forward.
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A hearty AMEN to Sherly’s description of the man Peter is. It’s been our privilege to walk out our lives together with Peter and Sherly for over 20 years and we can testify to the special gifts the Lord has given to Sherly & Peter and the gifts He gives others through them. They have both had a heart to reach EVERYONE they can with the gospel which comes from a passionate and rich love for their Savior. They reach out to their neighbors, their relatives, those new to the church, at the gym, on the job or at Starbucks or Einstein’s. No matter where they are or who they are with, they love the people they’re around and bring God’s aroma to each one. Rarely have I seen them doubt the Lord’s faithfulness and even more rarely have they NOT reached out to someone in need of a Savior! Truly, Peter and Sherly are people we’d like to be like when we ‘grow up’ so to speak….they are 2 choice servants of the King whose example of real-life, practical, “get-dirty” kind of evangelism and service we could all learn from.
By Mary Foster on 11/17/2009I want to be more like Peter. God, thank you for men like this.
By Josh on 11/17/2009Peter is an amazing example of selflessness. He cares for each the folks who work for him with genuine affection and generosity. Peter is A wonderful friend too. - Jeff Truesdale
By Jeff Truesdale on 11/18/2009Peter, thanks for 3 decades of doing business, family, “neighboring,” and life to the glory of God. You encourage and inspire the Granges to love and good deeds.
By Chip Grange on 11/18/2009Blessings my brother
Chip
What a great example! Makes me want to imitate his efforts.
By Paul Cleveland on 11/18/2009Paul
Well Peter…or papa as i call him, is definitely an example in serving. Being his daughter, I have seen first hand all the amazing things he has done. Going on mission trips is something my dad has always done. I was just a toddler when they took me with them to Guatemala on a trip to help at an orphanage. There too my dad must have used his gift with tools to build something cause there’s this picture of him with his tool belt on and standing in a work shed. He loves to get his hands dirty.
The one thing about it too is that he does these things so humbly. He would never want special acknowledgment (like this) or recognition for anything he has done. He helps without thinking anything of it….it is just him and how he is. He is a servant and has a heart to help.
I personally am grateful for his love and help in my life (and my house). Not only does he help me in practical ways with projects around the house but his example has helped to strengthen my own walk with the Lord. Thanks Pa for everything, I love you.
By Kerry on 11/18/2009Peter - you are an inspiration of how a true believer should act; full of grace and mercy. I am provoked by your example. You have the gentle touch of a strong hand. It’s a joy to serve with you.
By Larry Wethje on 11/18/2009I also, have had the great privilege of knowing Peter. He truly exemplifies what a christian servant should be. I hope to be like him when I grow up.
By SCOTT on 11/18/2009Peter, it is high privilege to serve with such an example of Biblical greatness - you provoke and encourage me! Thanks for storing up treasures in heaven, and lifting up the Gospel with your life!
By Corby on 11/19/2009I’m so grateful for everyone who has taken the time to leave a comment and honor Peter. It is very appropriate. Peter, I hope your encouraged. Thanks for your example.
By Joshua Harris on 11/19/2009Thank you all very much for the very kind and overstated comments.
The truth is there are hundreds of people in our church that this and more could be said about. I am honored and privileged to serve our Savior with you all.
Peter
By Peter Giglio on 11/19/2009Sorry Peter, not going to let you get away with that. The outflow of appreciation by many individuals is a clear indication of how you have affected us.
And I would like to pile on that I believe the reason you provoke us is 2-fold: 1) your consistency - this is no flash in the pan, 1-2-3 time event, but a lifestyle that we have seen displayed consistently over many years, and 2) your humility - expressed both in how much is done not in the limelight and the ‘personal’ focus: we all know of times where you have reached out to the unlovely, the desparate, the outcast.
You have a great heart for the individual needy person Peter. May we be more like you.
By Steve Wyzga on 11/20/2009I must add my voice to the chorus. Cathie and I have had the priviledge and honor of a close relationship with Peter AND Sherly since they moved here from New Jersey. Having been the recipients of their friendship, wise and encouraging counsel, example and generosity in times of need we always can see the Lord’s glory on display.
By Bill Farr on 11/21/2009Not mentioned above was the week in Biloxi after hurricane Katrina that Peter initiated, organized and lead. It was amazing to see the effect of the gospel after serving those in need. Thank you Peter AND Sherly!...
PS: Did you know these two can really cut up the dance floor?
Bill
My wife and i have been the recipients of Peter Giglio’s generosity. In 07/08 i was given the opportunity to attended the PC. During that time the Giglio’s took my wife and i into their home for 10 months for next to nothing. Without their extraordinary generosity, i simply would not have been able to attend the PC! Thanks mate! Words can’t communicate our gratefulness. Praise God!
By Mike Pasalich on 11/22/2009Commenting for this entry is closed. We close commenting on all blog entries after 30 days to avoid spammers who try to exploit older blog posts.