I'm not sure how to start out this post. It's a bit of a sensitive subject, but it's something that is always on my heart and even more so now after being motivated by reading the book " The hole in our gospel" by president of world vision, Richard Stearns. What I am about to share comes out of my heart and my own calling and convictions. I know that the Lord uses many people in different ways, but i truly believe that we ALL have a responsibility when it comes to taking care of the poor and the needy (either in taking care of foster children, feeding the poor in our community, sending money oversees ect.) . Alight, so here we go.
Most of you know that i did not grow up in a well to do family with lots of money to spare. Though things where tight I never went hungry or was cold from lack of shelter. My mother worked hard to take care of us, and later on when she married my most wonderful step dad, he also worked hard to give us everything that we needed and wanted. When i was a teenager I went with my youth group on a missions trip to Guatemala. I knew that there were less fortunate in the world and people starving and dying from preventable diseases, but it was always so far away. It was such an eye opening experience to see the poverty. I'm not going to go into it, but when i returned home from that missions trip i was changed and i was in shock at how RICH we really are. I was only 17 but i still wanted to stay connected and reminded somehow, so i found a child to sponsor through compassion international. Though i didn't make to much money as a cashier at the local drug store, i knew that 28 dollars a month was nothing to me and everything to the child i would sponsor. It's been 10 years now and through all of my life changes i still support that child, a little girl by the name of Sandra (who is now 15 and not so little!). Through the years God has always placed the suffering on my heart, though I must admit at times in my spoiled American life I have been very selfish. When i was in college i remember seeing all this food go to waste and someone commented about how many people it could feed, i had often thought that but in my immaturity i spouted out that the starving people in Africa are more then welcome to my leftovers, they just need to come up here and get it. Oh... i cringe at that thought now. How insensitive and RUDE and unlike Jesus.
Most of you know that i did not grow up in a well to do family with lots of money to spare. Though things where tight I never went hungry or was cold from lack of shelter. My mother worked hard to take care of us, and later on when she married my most wonderful step dad, he also worked hard to give us everything that we needed and wanted. When i was a teenager I went with my youth group on a missions trip to Guatemala. I knew that there were less fortunate in the world and people starving and dying from preventable diseases, but it was always so far away. It was such an eye opening experience to see the poverty. I'm not going to go into it, but when i returned home from that missions trip i was changed and i was in shock at how RICH we really are. I was only 17 but i still wanted to stay connected and reminded somehow, so i found a child to sponsor through compassion international. Though i didn't make to much money as a cashier at the local drug store, i knew that 28 dollars a month was nothing to me and everything to the child i would sponsor. It's been 10 years now and through all of my life changes i still support that child, a little girl by the name of Sandra (who is now 15 and not so little!). Through the years God has always placed the suffering on my heart, though I must admit at times in my spoiled American life I have been very selfish. When i was in college i remember seeing all this food go to waste and someone commented about how many people it could feed, i had often thought that but in my immaturity i spouted out that the starving people in Africa are more then welcome to my leftovers, they just need to come up here and get it. Oh... i cringe at that thought now. How insensitive and RUDE and unlike Jesus.
I've got a great life that is VERY comfortable. As i write this i am sitting at my table next to a warm fireplace while there is a chicken potpie cooking in the oven and my children are enjoying a break watching a movie. I am SPOILED. A couple of weeks ago i received a book in the mail from world vision, and my heart has been convicted again on what the Lord has called me to do in my life. Yes it is okay to be concerned about the health of my children and what foods they are eating and the environmental toxins that surround them, but I still need to do my part in one of the greatest commandments that was given " Love your neighbor as yourself". I know some would say that a starving child in Africa who's parents have died from HIV is not my neighbor and not my problem, but they are. More then ever we can outreach to and help those in need in other countries. It's my place and God's calling to me to provide for the needy, love the unlovable and use what he has given me for his purpose. Though me and my family may not physically be able to go out and help dig wells for clean water and teach those who need educations or hug the orphans that need love, we have PLENTY of money to help. The numbers of those suffering and dying from easily preventable diseases is mind boggling. So much so it almost makes you feel numb. I'm not going to go into numbers and statistics and what not.
There is just so much in this book, i've spent a few days figuring out how i want to write a post about it, but I've decided that i just can't sum it up in a post. Therefore i want to share the book. So for the first 5 people that comment on this post I am going to send you a copy of this book. They are currently ordered and due to arrive hopefully next week, so once i receive them i will ship them out to you. This is a great book and I strongly encourage you to take the time to read it.. even the first two chapters.
Alright so comment away if you want a book.
