Someone who read my description of our service last Sunday was uneasy with the idea of “blessing toothbrushes.” She couldn’t tell for sure whether we were serious or not about praying over the toothbrushes that our volunteers will be taking with them on a mission trip to Nicaragua.

We were serious – for at least three reasons. First, we recognize that this simple item – a toothbrush – can make a significant difference in the health of someone we will never know or meet in person. There is something satisfying about providing something that is so clearly needed.

Second, we recognize that donating toothbrushes is a way to participate in the mission trip, which is being sponsored by Interfaith Service to Latin America (ISLA). We become partners with our friends, even though we won’t be traveling to Nicaragua.

And third, we recognize that every time we pick up our own toothbrushes, we will remember that simple health practices are a privilege that we often take for granted. Our solidarity with our third-world neighbors has been increased.

So, yes, we were very serious in blessing the toothbrushes, just as in other years we have asked God’s blessing on vitamins, bandages, and medicines. God’s call to be servants of others can be lived out in many ways – sometimes as simple as donating a toothbrush.