The question is not: How many people take you seriously? How much are you going to accomplish? Can you show some results? but: Are you in love with Jesus?
Henri NouwenIf you want to know anything about community, you have to realize that the contemplative side is essential. Community without retreating and quiet time never survives.
Henri NouwenIt is precisely when you are loved a lot that you might realize a second loneliness which is not to be solved but lived. This second loneliness is an existential loneliness that belongs to the basis of our being. It's where we are unfulfilled because only God can fill us.
Henri NouwenMinistry is the least important thing. You cannot not minister if you are in communion with God and live in community.
Henri Nouwen