Stop for a minute.
I know you are busy.
A thousand million things are going through your head right now.
You are worrying about a situation at work. Pay day isn't until Friday. You checked your bank statement and you only have 18$ in your account. The gas tank is almost on E. You slept on your neck wrong. Your friend is mad at you. Your skinny jeans are a little too tight. You ate two pints of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey icecream. You haven't worked out in ages because work is consuming all of your time. Your dad is sick in the hospital. You just found out your friend has cancer. Summer is almost over. You don't want to go back to school.
I could go on and on with the examples of every day thoughts, stresses, and struggles, but there is somebody that has your current list memorized. He knows how you are feeling in this exact moment. And He knows how you will feel this time next week, next year, and ten years from now.
We tend to look at the world and our lives and see all the things that we DON'T have. We focus on our problems and they become ALL CONSUMING.
God never intended for our lives to be that way. He really didn't.
I think the average person would believe that God loves them. But have you stopped and pondered that statement?
God loves you. He loves me. He made each and every single person different. No one person is alike, yet we all were made in His image. His creation was intended for us to enjoy. And to REALLY enjoy. Look at all the different types of trees, plants, and flowers. I cant even begin to recall how many there are. Maybe 100,000? Why do you think He did that? He created the sun, the moon, and the stars. He created weather, different seasons, changing temperatures.
And don't even get me started on foods. Don't you think the God of the universe could have made it easy for us and not require food to live? Or maybe one type of food, with no taste? There would be no need for chocolate cake. Why not just created a little pill that would sustain us. Give us everything that we would need to survive.
All of these things were given to us to enjoy and because He loves us so much, yet we abuse what we have been given. We abuse it to the point that we don't even realize what we have; what we have been given. We get so caught up in ourselves and in our every day struggles that we forget why we were even made to begin with.
We were created to be in relationship with Our Heavenly Father. He wants that more than anything, and He wants us to glorify Him and thank Him for all that He has done for us. We look at our problems and the world's problems and think that He has left us; abandoned us, given up on us. But don't you see that those are the lies the Enemy feeds us?
As followers of Christ, when we commit ourselves to God and fully accept Him as Lord of our life, we freely receive the Holy Spirit. Our spirits are made new. Now, the Bible doesn't say our bodies and minds are made new. Only our spirits are made new. Satan still has free reign to attack our body and mind, yet He fears our Spirit, for He knows He can't win against God. The Holy Spirit is our DIRECT line to God. It gives us the opportunity to be in tune with Him. How cool is that? Because the Holy Spirit is within us, we are given gifts and abilities to be all God wants us to be.
We can step out in faith, and know that God is with us, because He is dwelling in each and every one of us.
Today God gave me the gift of laughter and friendship. He specifically showed me how much joy He wants to give when we decide to trust His lead. Jesus taught by example. He had no agenda, no time table, and wasn't concerned about numbers of people He could save each day. He took the time to get to know His people He loved so much. He MADE the time to really get to know them, their problems, their struggles. He sat with them, walked with them, prayed with them. He was present.
He wasn't on his phone texting in the middle of his conversations. He wasn't consumed by work, lost in thoughts from the previous day. He was present. And He wants us to be present and available to others.
Look around you.
Invite someone into your life today that is totally random. Do something unexpected. Show kindness to a stranger.
He has shown me that even though the problems of the world seem huge, He is bigger than all of those problems. He really does love you and this hurting world, but we have to choose to look to Him. We must choose to see past the lies the enemy makes us believe. We must choose to be the change He wants to see in the world. He wants us to share this gift of love He has given us, yet most often than not we shy away from the world; AFRAID of not being good enough, smart enough, talented enough, pretty enough. But we do really have everything we need, right inside of us.
He is here. He IS ENOUGH.
Jesus has used Africa and the beautiful children here to teach me how to be intentional. To show me that God can do BIG things when you are open to letting Him use you.
His perfect love drives out fear.
Choose to see. Choose to smile. Choose to laugh. Choose to be different. Choose to be used by Him.
But most of all.....
Choose to Love.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
He Chose Me
What comes to mind when you think of a beautiful, rich life?
A few years ago I would have answered the above question in a very different way, but today I find myself in one of the most beautiful, vibrant places in the world. Each morning I wake up to children of all ages, staring at me with big, brown eyes. I love how each child has a distinct look to them, a colorful personaility, each unique in their own way. My favorite part of waking up in Jinja, Uganda is waking up to the children's voices, hearing their laughter.
"Good morning mommy."
"Mommy, good afternoon."
Hearing 61 children call you mommy, seeing the joy on their faces, hearing their laughter, is my answer to the above question. A beautiful, rich life is a life that is full of unconditional love, without hesitation.
The kids have taught me that; to love. That is my agenda, that is my every day plan. How can I show the love of Jesus in every situation I am in?
Coming to Africa has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. God has used it to challenge me; to break my heart, and to help me face the reality that this world is facing. He has used it to show me my own heart, which had turned gray, full of pride, bitterness, and anger from Satan's tight hold on my life. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone in so many ways, sharing my whole testimony for the first time in front of dozens of women, and teaching bible lessons to children and teenagers. My first trip to Africa I knew not one single person I was going with at the start. After constant disappointment in my life, my heart knew I needed to be all in for God, no matter what it cost, or it entailed. Yet, each time I have had to step out in faith for God, He has provided me with so much more than I could ever have asked for. He is opening up my eyes to see that He has given me so much more than I ever thought I had, and He continues to surprise me day in and day out, over and over again.
I think the greatest thing Jesus has taught me through everything He has shown me is that I can't expect things or peple to fill the God-shaped void in my heart that has been there since I can remember. God has filled our hearts with longing, but we don't know what we are longing for until we see the breathtaking God. This statement is so true to my life. He is in fact what I have been searching for, chasing after, striving to reach my whole life. The people of Africa, the beautiful children, have shown me the breathtaking God and the love He has for me. I was living such a Me-filled life a few years ago. Our culture pushes us towards pursuing a life lived for ourselves, yet I can't help but remember how empty my life truly seemed to be. Nothing I ever accomplished was good enough. The joy never lasted of reaching my highest goals of achievement. I worshiped many other gods; the god of achievement, the god of family, the god of money, the god of entertainment, and most of all, THE GOD OF ME.
I had to rid my life of all the extra stuff that was in fact dragging me further and further away from where I needed to be; at the center of God's will. Despite disappointing God over and over again, choosing my own way time after time, He never stopped pursuing me, never stopped loving me, never gave up on me. God disrupted my life in a way that I never thought possible, in the form of breaking my heart for those in need in Africa and in Nicaragua, and teaching me what it really meant to live a life of love for Him.
I rejoice in the fact that I am brought to tears by leaving the precious children I have grown to love, in the many places God has sent me. I leave a piece of my heart behind in every country, every village. Each child has brought joy into my heart that I cant even begin to explain. The greatest part about it is that this joy is a blessing and gift from God that doesn't leave. I haven't gone a day without having this joy in my heart, and I can't thank God enough for giving me this special gift. I have figured out this joy is from knowing that God loves me so much, more than I could ever begin to comprehend. He has been waiting for me to give my life to Him completely, for so many years.
Today I am thankful; thankful for the beautiful life He has given me, filled with beautiful children and people to love everywhere He sends me. :)
This is the beautiful, rich life He has promised us all. The question is; Are you willing to take His hand and have Him show you the way?
Love to all from Our Own Home,
Meghann
I think the greatest thing Jesus has taught me through everything He has shown me is that I can't expect things or peple to fill the God-shaped void in my heart that has been there since I can remember. God has filled our hearts with longing, but we don't know what we are longing for until we see the breathtaking God. This statement is so true to my life. He is in fact what I have been searching for, chasing after, striving to reach my whole life. The people of Africa, the beautiful children, have shown me the breathtaking God and the love He has for me. I was living such a Me-filled life a few years ago. Our culture pushes us towards pursuing a life lived for ourselves, yet I can't help but remember how empty my life truly seemed to be. Nothing I ever accomplished was good enough. The joy never lasted of reaching my highest goals of achievement. I worshiped many other gods; the god of achievement, the god of family, the god of money, the god of entertainment, and most of all, THE GOD OF ME.
I had to rid my life of all the extra stuff that was in fact dragging me further and further away from where I needed to be; at the center of God's will. Despite disappointing God over and over again, choosing my own way time after time, He never stopped pursuing me, never stopped loving me, never gave up on me. God disrupted my life in a way that I never thought possible, in the form of breaking my heart for those in need in Africa and in Nicaragua, and teaching me what it really meant to live a life of love for Him.
I rejoice in the fact that I am brought to tears by leaving the precious children I have grown to love, in the many places God has sent me. I leave a piece of my heart behind in every country, every village. Each child has brought joy into my heart that I cant even begin to explain. The greatest part about it is that this joy is a blessing and gift from God that doesn't leave. I haven't gone a day without having this joy in my heart, and I can't thank God enough for giving me this special gift. I have figured out this joy is from knowing that God loves me so much, more than I could ever begin to comprehend. He has been waiting for me to give my life to Him completely, for so many years.
Today I am thankful; thankful for the beautiful life He has given me, filled with beautiful children and people to love everywhere He sends me. :)
This is the beautiful, rich life He has promised us all. The question is; Are you willing to take His hand and have Him show you the way?
Love to all from Our Own Home,
Meghann
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Beauty from God
As I sit in the home of William and Holly Pheni, I can't help but feel a sense of peace, hope, and love beyond my comprehension. Fifteen of the kids are sitting quietly at my feet, soaking in each other's company after a morning of church in jinja town. I can't help but feel how much love the God of the universe has for me; for you; for all of these beautiful children here at Our Own Home, here in this world.
I find that the more time that goes by walking hand in hand, side by side with Jesus, the more my life makes sense. Everything seems to be crystal clear. I see that God's gentle hand has been actively seeking me out over the course of my life time. I see how many times I constantly slipped up; tripped up along the journey, yet God still was at work, whether I realized it or not.
God chose a very unique and special way for me, and in fact I believe He chooses a special, unique way for us all. He disrupted every single plan I had for my life, which in fact was not life at all. I have never really quite understood what being a woman was really all about. I never knew who God wanted me to be as His daughter. I always assumed I would plan out my own life, I would make my own choices. But I had it all wrong.
Most of us like to play it safe. We don't want to let our guards down, don't want to let too many people in, and we protect our hearts in so many different ways. We find a way to make a life of safety, YET we ALL have experienced grief on multiple occassions. I can think of a handful of different things that happened to me over the course of my life. I have had men use, abuse, and trample my heart time and time again. I have lost loved ones. I have had mean words said about me. I have had many disappointments along the way. I understand now that the human heart is a battlefield. And the war is a deadly one, that can only be won with God at your side.
See, most people will not admit that we are in desperate need of one another. God made us to be in relationship with others, yet so many of us shut down, block off the rest of the world, and stay in our safe, small bubble. When we do this, we completely miss the beautiful life God has in store for all of us. We also miss what it really feels like to love and be loved. You see, God is a romantic God. And women who are reading this, He made us so special and unique. He made us to be beautiful.
Do you tink you are beautiful? I have ALWAYS had issues with thinking that I do not fit the mold of what this world thinks is beautiful. I believe all women struggle with this, whether we admit it or not. The enemy feeds us lines of doubt to think we are fair less than what God really says we are.
Women, we hold a special place in God's heart. Men don't miss this either, women are suppose to be treausred, loved, romanced, and thought beautiful just as God does and thinks of us. To be spiritual is to be in a romance with God. Our TRUE self becomes reflected in our apperance. BUT it flows from the inside out. Our world has it all wrong. Beauty is what the world longs to experience from a woman. Beauty is within every woman, and this is something that I am just now believing of myself because I finally am understanding what God says about me. Beauty is not what the world says it is. Beauty is in the heart.
Beauty was given to me by God; was given to ALL of us by God. Beauty also may be the most powerful thing on earth. You see, Satan, before He was cast down to earth, was a BEAUTIFUL angel in charge of 1/3 of all the angels in Heaven. God made Him beautiful, radiant, majestic. Satan's beauty turned him prideful, which later caused him to want to be God. Satan was then cast out of Heaven and down to earth, and he is here among us today. We see his work being done through muders, rapes, HIV, cancer, suicide, and many other destructive ways. I truly believe that Satan hates and despises us, because we are at the very heart of God, and we were made in His image. A book I read recently, called Captivating, opened my eyes to see that Satan especially hates women. We bring new life to earth, through bearing children, and mothering friends, family, and loved ones. We bring new life to earth, and Satan wants to detroy all things living. Satan was beautiful when once an angel, and He longs for that beauty, which is found at the heart of EVERY WOMAN. Not just skinny women, tall women, women without pimples, women who are athletic. All women are beautiful and made to be beautiful. Unveiling this beauty is our greatest expression of love, BECAUSE it is what the world most needs from us. We choose to not hide anymore, when we choose to offer our hearts to Jesus and to others.
Jesus offers himself, which is how He loves. When we offer beauty to others, their hearts slowly come to life. God has allowed this truth to be revealed to me through seeing his beauty He placed in my heart, but more importantly, the beauty He has shown me through the beautiful children of this world that many choose to not see. God has given me a new heart, full of passionate love for His hurting children in Africa. This quote expresses exactly what I feel; "The place that God calls us is that place where the worlds deep hunger and our deep desire meet."
God has called all of us to step out in faith, step onto the ledge, and jump into His loving, trusting arms. We can risk stepping out when we are resting in the love of God. He asks us to be vulnerable, to be beautiful, to shine brightly. I finally see how God has made us all beautiful in our very own way. He has given us this beautiful earth to enjoy, which is His amazing way of romancing us; to show us just how much He loves us.
The beautiful children here at Our Own Home in Jinja, Uganda, the breathtaking beautys in South Africa, and my stunning kiddos in Nicaragua have opened my eyes and heart to really, FULLY understanding how loving our God really is. Others may look at the world with hopelessness. Some may say there is too much work to be done. I challenge you to look past the negative, and really SEE the world around you. Look out your window. Stop, and BE PRESENT. Soak in all the beautiful creation around you that God has blessed you with. God has sent angels into my life in the form of these precious kids. THEY are the hope of this world. The beauty in my soul is BEST when shared, and I believe that to be my God-given puprose. The beauty in my heart is Jesus, desperately wanting to be shared.
You have a purpose. You ARE beautiful. God has given you MORE than you could ever imagine. Step onto the ledge.... and JUMP. :)
Love to all.
I find that the more time that goes by walking hand in hand, side by side with Jesus, the more my life makes sense. Everything seems to be crystal clear. I see that God's gentle hand has been actively seeking me out over the course of my life time. I see how many times I constantly slipped up; tripped up along the journey, yet God still was at work, whether I realized it or not.
God chose a very unique and special way for me, and in fact I believe He chooses a special, unique way for us all. He disrupted every single plan I had for my life, which in fact was not life at all. I have never really quite understood what being a woman was really all about. I never knew who God wanted me to be as His daughter. I always assumed I would plan out my own life, I would make my own choices. But I had it all wrong.
Most of us like to play it safe. We don't want to let our guards down, don't want to let too many people in, and we protect our hearts in so many different ways. We find a way to make a life of safety, YET we ALL have experienced grief on multiple occassions. I can think of a handful of different things that happened to me over the course of my life. I have had men use, abuse, and trample my heart time and time again. I have lost loved ones. I have had mean words said about me. I have had many disappointments along the way. I understand now that the human heart is a battlefield. And the war is a deadly one, that can only be won with God at your side.
See, most people will not admit that we are in desperate need of one another. God made us to be in relationship with others, yet so many of us shut down, block off the rest of the world, and stay in our safe, small bubble. When we do this, we completely miss the beautiful life God has in store for all of us. We also miss what it really feels like to love and be loved. You see, God is a romantic God. And women who are reading this, He made us so special and unique. He made us to be beautiful.
Do you tink you are beautiful? I have ALWAYS had issues with thinking that I do not fit the mold of what this world thinks is beautiful. I believe all women struggle with this, whether we admit it or not. The enemy feeds us lines of doubt to think we are fair less than what God really says we are.
Women, we hold a special place in God's heart. Men don't miss this either, women are suppose to be treausred, loved, romanced, and thought beautiful just as God does and thinks of us. To be spiritual is to be in a romance with God. Our TRUE self becomes reflected in our apperance. BUT it flows from the inside out. Our world has it all wrong. Beauty is what the world longs to experience from a woman. Beauty is within every woman, and this is something that I am just now believing of myself because I finally am understanding what God says about me. Beauty is not what the world says it is. Beauty is in the heart.
Beauty was given to me by God; was given to ALL of us by God. Beauty also may be the most powerful thing on earth. You see, Satan, before He was cast down to earth, was a BEAUTIFUL angel in charge of 1/3 of all the angels in Heaven. God made Him beautiful, radiant, majestic. Satan's beauty turned him prideful, which later caused him to want to be God. Satan was then cast out of Heaven and down to earth, and he is here among us today. We see his work being done through muders, rapes, HIV, cancer, suicide, and many other destructive ways. I truly believe that Satan hates and despises us, because we are at the very heart of God, and we were made in His image. A book I read recently, called Captivating, opened my eyes to see that Satan especially hates women. We bring new life to earth, through bearing children, and mothering friends, family, and loved ones. We bring new life to earth, and Satan wants to detroy all things living. Satan was beautiful when once an angel, and He longs for that beauty, which is found at the heart of EVERY WOMAN. Not just skinny women, tall women, women without pimples, women who are athletic. All women are beautiful and made to be beautiful. Unveiling this beauty is our greatest expression of love, BECAUSE it is what the world most needs from us. We choose to not hide anymore, when we choose to offer our hearts to Jesus and to others.
Jesus offers himself, which is how He loves. When we offer beauty to others, their hearts slowly come to life. God has allowed this truth to be revealed to me through seeing his beauty He placed in my heart, but more importantly, the beauty He has shown me through the beautiful children of this world that many choose to not see. God has given me a new heart, full of passionate love for His hurting children in Africa. This quote expresses exactly what I feel; "The place that God calls us is that place where the worlds deep hunger and our deep desire meet."
God has called all of us to step out in faith, step onto the ledge, and jump into His loving, trusting arms. We can risk stepping out when we are resting in the love of God. He asks us to be vulnerable, to be beautiful, to shine brightly. I finally see how God has made us all beautiful in our very own way. He has given us this beautiful earth to enjoy, which is His amazing way of romancing us; to show us just how much He loves us.
The beautiful children here at Our Own Home in Jinja, Uganda, the breathtaking beautys in South Africa, and my stunning kiddos in Nicaragua have opened my eyes and heart to really, FULLY understanding how loving our God really is. Others may look at the world with hopelessness. Some may say there is too much work to be done. I challenge you to look past the negative, and really SEE the world around you. Look out your window. Stop, and BE PRESENT. Soak in all the beautiful creation around you that God has blessed you with. God has sent angels into my life in the form of these precious kids. THEY are the hope of this world. The beauty in my soul is BEST when shared, and I believe that to be my God-given puprose. The beauty in my heart is Jesus, desperately wanting to be shared.
You have a purpose. You ARE beautiful. God has given you MORE than you could ever imagine. Step onto the ledge.... and JUMP. :)
Love to all.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Red Dirt and My heart on my sleeve
Well God continues to show me His amazing love, grace, and mercy as this journey continues. When you invite God in, NOTHING is impossible. There have been so many God moments during the course of the last week in Cape Town.
Not only did I feel God's love for me through all the amazing women and kids in Langa, but the staff that exceeded our expectations with the beautiful beach home we stayed in, the incredible meals they prepared for us, and the over the top extra mile the whole staff took for the women's conference. The women couldn't repay us, and to be quite honest there was no way we would afford to have something so lavish and glamorous for them. Elaine and Neil really went over the top, giving their VERY best. All the workers gave their best. We were all excited to help. We should ALWAYS give our best, not because we want something in return, but because it is what God gives us and expects us to give others. I am still in awe of everything they did for us. I am definately missing my Cape Town family and team!
God is at work, His Word is alive. It isn't about us figuring out what God wants us to do. Don't limit God to what we can ask. He does MORE than what we can ask or imagine.
Hollie and I made it to Uganda. Can I say culture shock? The landscape and climate is even completely different; red dirt roads, green lush plants, plam trees, and muggy air flood my senses. Streets are filled with busy people rushing everywhere, cars and motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic.
We arrived very late in Jinja, about 11:00pm. Hollie and I went to bed shortly after we got home. We woke up after a great nights sleep and headed to Our Own Home. We spent the whole day with the kiddos. I can't begin to tell you how much joy they brought to us today. We are now called, "Mommy Meg" and "Mommy Hollie." They all have such vibrant personalities and are so outgoing. We colored, played futbol, played Old Maid, and just loved on all of the children today. Hollie and I just loved today. :)
Thank you for everybody praying for us. We love you dearly.
Meg and Hollie
Not only did I feel God's love for me through all the amazing women and kids in Langa, but the staff that exceeded our expectations with the beautiful beach home we stayed in, the incredible meals they prepared for us, and the over the top extra mile the whole staff took for the women's conference. The women couldn't repay us, and to be quite honest there was no way we would afford to have something so lavish and glamorous for them. Elaine and Neil really went over the top, giving their VERY best. All the workers gave their best. We were all excited to help. We should ALWAYS give our best, not because we want something in return, but because it is what God gives us and expects us to give others. I am still in awe of everything they did for us. I am definately missing my Cape Town family and team!
God is at work, His Word is alive. It isn't about us figuring out what God wants us to do. Don't limit God to what we can ask. He does MORE than what we can ask or imagine.
Hollie and I made it to Uganda. Can I say culture shock? The landscape and climate is even completely different; red dirt roads, green lush plants, plam trees, and muggy air flood my senses. Streets are filled with busy people rushing everywhere, cars and motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic.
We arrived very late in Jinja, about 11:00pm. Hollie and I went to bed shortly after we got home. We woke up after a great nights sleep and headed to Our Own Home. We spent the whole day with the kiddos. I can't begin to tell you how much joy they brought to us today. We are now called, "Mommy Meg" and "Mommy Hollie." They all have such vibrant personalities and are so outgoing. We colored, played futbol, played Old Maid, and just loved on all of the children today. Hollie and I just loved today. :)
Thank you for everybody praying for us. We love you dearly.
Meg and Hollie
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
To love without Hesitation
I have now been gone for alitte less than two weeks. The sun is shining down, pouring out it's warmth on my face. I can hear the birds chirping, the waves crashing down, and I can feel the breeze across my face. I close my eyes, stop, and listen all around me. I feel Jesus' all around me; in the air, in my heart, on my skin. I envision that Heaven might feel like what I am feeling now. I image a place such as one I am seeing right now with my very eyes.
I sit back and recall the events of the day, the many precious moments that occured with the children.
As I stood in the courtyard greeting the children this morning, their smiles warmed my heart. As I looked out in the distance, I saw a woman I recognized, hand in hand with little Zimmie and his sister walking along side of her. He hadn't been at our program the day before. When he saw my face, he came running. This little boy looks to his old granny for comfort, help, support. I'm not sure how old she is, but I'm not sure how long she will be able to keep up with him and his sister. Stories like Zimmie's are all around me. AIDS has taken the lives of so many young mothers and fathers. Grannys and aunties are left to take care of 5-10 young children.
I know that some people are just simply overwhelmed to think of all the need in this world. To be honest, alot of the time we can't seem to look past our own needs that we think we have. I believe that God is showing me through children and people's lives, that it isn't all about meeting those GREAT needs. I will never be able do that. It is out of my capability and out of my control. But what I can do is love; just as Jesus loved me I am filled with hope though when I see the results from simply loving these children. I see that God uses kindness and love to lead people into repentence and salvation.
I think what God has changed most about my life over the last year is how I look at him and what I believe of Him. God is my father. For most of my life I never looked at him as my father. I simply just looked at him as the King of the Universe. I never had an intimate relationship with him. I just DID church. I looked at my life in a whole different way. I figured I was a christian, I was saved, and would later on die and go to Heaven. Heaven was a destitation.
As I read the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6, it has finally dawned on me as to what God has wanted from me all my life. God reveals so much in just a short, but powerful prayer. He tells us exactly how to pray and what to pray for. It starts with, "Our Father, who is in Heaven." God could describe himself in so many ways, yet He makes sure He lets us know He is OUR Father. He goes on to say, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Heaven isn't suppose to just be experienced in Heaven. God tells us that His Kingdom is meant to be here on earth. Churches today and even christians today tend to be concerned with getting as many people saved and into Heaven as possible. Most people's mind sets aren't focused on bringing God's kingdom here on earth. How can we transform the earth? How can we bring heaven to earth? Alot of people think it is impossible. People turn into a religious audience if we don't teach people to participate in bringing the kingdom to earth. I believe God is wanting us to leverage our lives here on earth by bringing heaven to ALL the earth. He doesn't just say, "Stay in America and help others." He doesn't say, "Go to church and write checks to charities." Jesus tells us to go, love, and spread light to dark places.
Isaiah 58 is a perfect passage as to what the church needs to do in order to bring God's Kingdom here to earth. What pleases God and brings the Kingdom of Heaven down to earth? We are told in this passage: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives that need help. Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
How do we bring light into the world and His Kingdom to earth? I believe God is telling us through this passage in Isaiah 58 that we do this by giving, sharing, and extending our soul and spending our lives on helping the oppressed, poor, widowed, and orphaned because they are the ones in the dark. Nowhere was it written to write a check. God didn't send a check to save the world. He sent His Son; a person.
I see with my life that the more I sit and listen to God, the more I hear Him telling me to go. I believe we all are called and meant to go. We are all called to bring His Kingdom to earth. I believe that can be done through loving others without hesitation, sacrificing our time and resources for others, investing in a child who has no family, no parents. God tells us that we are a family, the body of Christ. I think we could all do a better job at this.
There are around 100 million people in America that claim to be christians, which breaks down to probably around 25 million families that are christians. Can you imagine what the world would look like and be like if every single one of those 25 million families sponsored and helped an orphan child in need? These children here in Cape Town, those in Limpopo, and even those in Nicaragua are beautiful, smart, and talented. They have dreams and passions just like you and me, yet they were simply born into poor circumstances, poor countries, places where there are NO opportunities. No people to show interest in their lives because their parents have died from preventable and treatable diseases.
It makes me sick to my stomach to think how wasteful and oblivious I was to the desperate needs of the world just a little over a year ago. Hugs, smiles, and praise are things that we take for granted, yet these children don't receive these things ever.
Friends, we have been richly blessed, and as christians we have an obligation. Jesus promises that if we give, spend our lives, and love those who he loves that are hurting and oppressed, Light will be broughtto the dark places. This is our missional calling-- to be available to God. He wants to use each and every one of us. I can't begin to explain what it means to these beautiful children that people want to invest in their lives. All they need is love. They have taught me how to love without hesitation. They have taught me what it really means to be like Jesus. Zimmie showed me today what unconditional love looks like. He didn't expect anything out of me in return. Within two days, this precious child of God gave me the new name of "mama". He wasnt wanting me to give him things or to buy him things. He simply looked at me, smiled, buried his head into my chest, and wanted love. He needed a smile; needed a hug; needed love. Isn't that what we all want? Jesus wants our love, and by loving others in need, we are loving Jesus, just as He would want us to love.
I sit back and recall the events of the day, the many precious moments that occured with the children.
As I stood in the courtyard greeting the children this morning, their smiles warmed my heart. As I looked out in the distance, I saw a woman I recognized, hand in hand with little Zimmie and his sister walking along side of her. He hadn't been at our program the day before. When he saw my face, he came running. This little boy looks to his old granny for comfort, help, support. I'm not sure how old she is, but I'm not sure how long she will be able to keep up with him and his sister. Stories like Zimmie's are all around me. AIDS has taken the lives of so many young mothers and fathers. Grannys and aunties are left to take care of 5-10 young children.
I know that some people are just simply overwhelmed to think of all the need in this world. To be honest, alot of the time we can't seem to look past our own needs that we think we have. I believe that God is showing me through children and people's lives, that it isn't all about meeting those GREAT needs. I will never be able do that. It is out of my capability and out of my control. But what I can do is love; just as Jesus loved me I am filled with hope though when I see the results from simply loving these children. I see that God uses kindness and love to lead people into repentence and salvation.
I think what God has changed most about my life over the last year is how I look at him and what I believe of Him. God is my father. For most of my life I never looked at him as my father. I simply just looked at him as the King of the Universe. I never had an intimate relationship with him. I just DID church. I looked at my life in a whole different way. I figured I was a christian, I was saved, and would later on die and go to Heaven. Heaven was a destitation.
As I read the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6, it has finally dawned on me as to what God has wanted from me all my life. God reveals so much in just a short, but powerful prayer. He tells us exactly how to pray and what to pray for. It starts with, "Our Father, who is in Heaven." God could describe himself in so many ways, yet He makes sure He lets us know He is OUR Father. He goes on to say, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Heaven isn't suppose to just be experienced in Heaven. God tells us that His Kingdom is meant to be here on earth. Churches today and even christians today tend to be concerned with getting as many people saved and into Heaven as possible. Most people's mind sets aren't focused on bringing God's kingdom here on earth. How can we transform the earth? How can we bring heaven to earth? Alot of people think it is impossible. People turn into a religious audience if we don't teach people to participate in bringing the kingdom to earth. I believe God is wanting us to leverage our lives here on earth by bringing heaven to ALL the earth. He doesn't just say, "Stay in America and help others." He doesn't say, "Go to church and write checks to charities." Jesus tells us to go, love, and spread light to dark places.
Isaiah 58 is a perfect passage as to what the church needs to do in order to bring God's Kingdom here to earth. What pleases God and brings the Kingdom of Heaven down to earth? We are told in this passage: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives that need help. Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
How do we bring light into the world and His Kingdom to earth? I believe God is telling us through this passage in Isaiah 58 that we do this by giving, sharing, and extending our soul and spending our lives on helping the oppressed, poor, widowed, and orphaned because they are the ones in the dark. Nowhere was it written to write a check. God didn't send a check to save the world. He sent His Son; a person.
I see with my life that the more I sit and listen to God, the more I hear Him telling me to go. I believe we all are called and meant to go. We are all called to bring His Kingdom to earth. I believe that can be done through loving others without hesitation, sacrificing our time and resources for others, investing in a child who has no family, no parents. God tells us that we are a family, the body of Christ. I think we could all do a better job at this.
There are around 100 million people in America that claim to be christians, which breaks down to probably around 25 million families that are christians. Can you imagine what the world would look like and be like if every single one of those 25 million families sponsored and helped an orphan child in need? These children here in Cape Town, those in Limpopo, and even those in Nicaragua are beautiful, smart, and talented. They have dreams and passions just like you and me, yet they were simply born into poor circumstances, poor countries, places where there are NO opportunities. No people to show interest in their lives because their parents have died from preventable and treatable diseases.
It makes me sick to my stomach to think how wasteful and oblivious I was to the desperate needs of the world just a little over a year ago. Hugs, smiles, and praise are things that we take for granted, yet these children don't receive these things ever.
Friends, we have been richly blessed, and as christians we have an obligation. Jesus promises that if we give, spend our lives, and love those who he loves that are hurting and oppressed, Light will be broughtto the dark places. This is our missional calling-- to be available to God. He wants to use each and every one of us. I can't begin to explain what it means to these beautiful children that people want to invest in their lives. All they need is love. They have taught me how to love without hesitation. They have taught me what it really means to be like Jesus. Zimmie showed me today what unconditional love looks like. He didn't expect anything out of me in return. Within two days, this precious child of God gave me the new name of "mama". He wasnt wanting me to give him things or to buy him things. He simply looked at me, smiled, buried his head into my chest, and wanted love. He needed a smile; needed a hug; needed love. Isn't that what we all want? Jesus wants our love, and by loving others in need, we are loving Jesus, just as He would want us to love.
Monday, July 1, 2013
God's Creativity (Cape Town, Langa church service, and first day of VBS)
I am happy to say that I safely made it to Cape Town after a beautiful time in Limpopo. Can I just say that this place is the most beautiful place I have ever seen? As I sit and type on the porch of an incredible home I have the honor of staying in, 50 feet away from the beach, listening to the waves crash into the banks, looking at Table Mountain, I am in awe of how God has brought me here and amazed and honored to be here in and for His name.
The children of Langa have already captured my heart. Church was amazing yesterday, filled with so much love and joy. A little boy named Zimmie captured my heart right from the beginning. I learned that his father is drinking and not in the picture. His granny is caring for him. What a sweet lady she is. I am missing all those that were a part of the team last week in Limpopo. I pray that they are safely back home. I am excited to have a new set of friends and team members here in Cape Town though. We are holding a VBS for the children of Langa Township 4 days this week. The ladies of the team are also holding a women's conference Thursday. I am so excited to be a part of God's work here in beautiful Cape Town.
We had a wonderful first day of VBS today with the kids. I am working on games this week; leading the kids in stretching and in relays, soccer games, and other various activities. I just love how energetic the kids are. We laughed so much today, playing in the sunshine, with the beautiful mountains in the background.
Cape Town is a place of vast contrast. There are very wealthy areas, and then there are townships filled with shack, after shack, after shack. These shacks are like some that I have never seen before. They literally are on top of one another, with no yard or space really at all. It is incredible to see how they are living, yet the children are so happy and eager to learn from us.
Today's devotion this morning really spoke to me.
Proverbs 31:8 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."
I see that I am in a postion to be a defender for these children in need.
I love how God continues to show me that He is a father. A father has a family. Jesus tells us don't just be religious. This thing called life isn't all about a system. The church is a family. Period. God is a father. He has a family here on earth that He loves dearly. Friends, it is imparitive to see and understand this so we can see how important it is to care for orphans, widows, and the poor. The townships here in cape town were set up in apartheid for the blacks to live seperately that whites. The government enforced this, but God has a heart for them.
When we think of religion, we like to attach certain things to it; going to church, being a part of a bible study, leading a small group, getting baptized. All of these things are for OURSELVES. We must get out of ourselves. We have to do something with all the stuff we are learning about who God really is.
James 1:27 says, "Pure and genuine religion and devotion is looking after orphans in distress. " If we can't do this, what are we doing?
God wants us to care for those that need family. This will keep us from being corrupted by this world we live in. I can not begin to tell you how God has taught me and healed me through being his hands and feet to those that have nobody to turn to for help. Obed and Moises, my two beautiful boys, have brought me more joy than I can even begin to tell you. God has healed my painful wounds of the past because of the love he has given to me through caring for His hurting people in this world. What I am doing in Africa the next two months is MUCH bigger than just a humanitarian project. It is about reflecting the image of God. I can't do everything but I can do something to represent God to people in distress. We all can do something. God wants you to discover who He really is by diving into His Word and listening to the plans He has for your life.
I am excited to see what God does with this week and the time I have with the children here in Langa. Thank you Jesus for everything you are doing through this team, for what you did last week. I pray for all those who are reading this blog right now. Speak into their lives. Help me to be everything you want me to be in this world. I give all the glory, honor, and praise to you.
Missing you all back in the States.
TRUST that God is doing miraculous things through me, this team, and through you. :) Love you. Many blessings.
Meghann
The children of Langa have already captured my heart. Church was amazing yesterday, filled with so much love and joy. A little boy named Zimmie captured my heart right from the beginning. I learned that his father is drinking and not in the picture. His granny is caring for him. What a sweet lady she is. I am missing all those that were a part of the team last week in Limpopo. I pray that they are safely back home. I am excited to have a new set of friends and team members here in Cape Town though. We are holding a VBS for the children of Langa Township 4 days this week. The ladies of the team are also holding a women's conference Thursday. I am so excited to be a part of God's work here in beautiful Cape Town.
We had a wonderful first day of VBS today with the kids. I am working on games this week; leading the kids in stretching and in relays, soccer games, and other various activities. I just love how energetic the kids are. We laughed so much today, playing in the sunshine, with the beautiful mountains in the background.
Cape Town is a place of vast contrast. There are very wealthy areas, and then there are townships filled with shack, after shack, after shack. These shacks are like some that I have never seen before. They literally are on top of one another, with no yard or space really at all. It is incredible to see how they are living, yet the children are so happy and eager to learn from us.
Today's devotion this morning really spoke to me.
Proverbs 31:8 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."
I see that I am in a postion to be a defender for these children in need.
I love how God continues to show me that He is a father. A father has a family. Jesus tells us don't just be religious. This thing called life isn't all about a system. The church is a family. Period. God is a father. He has a family here on earth that He loves dearly. Friends, it is imparitive to see and understand this so we can see how important it is to care for orphans, widows, and the poor. The townships here in cape town were set up in apartheid for the blacks to live seperately that whites. The government enforced this, but God has a heart for them.
When we think of religion, we like to attach certain things to it; going to church, being a part of a bible study, leading a small group, getting baptized. All of these things are for OURSELVES. We must get out of ourselves. We have to do something with all the stuff we are learning about who God really is.
James 1:27 says, "Pure and genuine religion and devotion is looking after orphans in distress. " If we can't do this, what are we doing?
God wants us to care for those that need family. This will keep us from being corrupted by this world we live in. I can not begin to tell you how God has taught me and healed me through being his hands and feet to those that have nobody to turn to for help. Obed and Moises, my two beautiful boys, have brought me more joy than I can even begin to tell you. God has healed my painful wounds of the past because of the love he has given to me through caring for His hurting people in this world. What I am doing in Africa the next two months is MUCH bigger than just a humanitarian project. It is about reflecting the image of God. I can't do everything but I can do something to represent God to people in distress. We all can do something. God wants you to discover who He really is by diving into His Word and listening to the plans He has for your life.
I am excited to see what God does with this week and the time I have with the children here in Langa. Thank you Jesus for everything you are doing through this team, for what you did last week. I pray for all those who are reading this blog right now. Speak into their lives. Help me to be everything you want me to be in this world. I give all the glory, honor, and praise to you.
Missing you all back in the States.
TRUST that God is doing miraculous things through me, this team, and through you. :) Love you. Many blessings.
Meghann
Tear filled goodbyes, new beginnings June 28-June 30th
The week in Limpopo has been one that I will cherish forever. I honestly couldn't be more filled. My cup is over flowing. The end of the week was just as incredible as the beginning. Thursday was filled with seeing my BEAUTIFUL boy, Obed again. I also was able to stand in for friends; my parents, Stacy, Dave and Dawn, and shiee and meet their beautiful children again as well.
Dineo, my parent's 2 year old little girl, was waiting with her granny outside of Segkopo village. Last October I had the privilege of being able go there and meet my boy Obed and many other wonderful children. The kids at Segkopo have had more teams of people from America come in and conduct programs for them than any other village. And it shows. These kids are so on fire for God. They have the most amazing choir, dance groups, and talented kids. They are thriving, and it is all because faithful people are answering the call from God to come and invest in their lives.
All these kids need is hope. Hope that only God can provide. God is providing it by using people. Never once in the Bible do you read that Jesus wrote a check to fix a problem or perform a miracle. Jesus sent people; ordinary people to do mighty works. I find it humbling to know that God has chosen me to do his work in Africa, Nicaragua, and at home.
He is bringing me joy and so many blessings by just being obedient to him. Obed is one of the greatest blessings he has given me. I can't describe the feeling I had all day seeing him, touching him, being around him. I can honestly say that I love that sweet, innocent boy with everything that I have. A love like this can only come from one person; God. Jesus has given me this love, and I am so grateful that He has trusted me with giving hope, encouragment, and love to this beautiful boy. I am just simply in awe of what He has given me; entrusted me with, and how He is moving in my life. I have decided to stop following Jesus, rather I want to imitate Him. I must follow God's example.
I find myself asking, "How will I ever be able to process all that I will and have seen in Africa over the next two months?" You know, Jesus wasn't a beautiful man-- there was nothing majestic about him. The kids in Africa and in all poor countries of the world are forced to live ni poverty. They are forgotten. Jesus had a lot of people that wanted something from him, but FEW wanted just him. Jesus came from a very poor place; Nazareth. Can anything good come out of such a poor place? We usually don't consider what Jesus did for us. God sent his only Son, at His will, to cause his son to suffer for teh sake of every single human being. I can't imagine sending my son, Obed, one who I didn't even birth myself, to suffer the way Jesus did. I just can't hardly stand to think of that. Yet, Jesus was on the cross filled with joy to see what He would accomplish.
The exposure of seeing the pain here in Africa is bringing something better, just as Jesus did for us. God has me here following His example. The pain is real. Real in the children's lives, the women's lives, and in my life. How did Jesus show himself? He suffered himself. God isn't here to give us a perfect life, and I am ok with that. I realize that I have been blessed more than I ever thought possible.
Dineo, my parent's 2 year old little girl, was waiting with her granny outside of Segkopo village. Last October I had the privilege of being able go there and meet my boy Obed and many other wonderful children. The kids at Segkopo have had more teams of people from America come in and conduct programs for them than any other village. And it shows. These kids are so on fire for God. They have the most amazing choir, dance groups, and talented kids. They are thriving, and it is all because faithful people are answering the call from God to come and invest in their lives.
All these kids need is hope. Hope that only God can provide. God is providing it by using people. Never once in the Bible do you read that Jesus wrote a check to fix a problem or perform a miracle. Jesus sent people; ordinary people to do mighty works. I find it humbling to know that God has chosen me to do his work in Africa, Nicaragua, and at home.
He is bringing me joy and so many blessings by just being obedient to him. Obed is one of the greatest blessings he has given me. I can't describe the feeling I had all day seeing him, touching him, being around him. I can honestly say that I love that sweet, innocent boy with everything that I have. A love like this can only come from one person; God. Jesus has given me this love, and I am so grateful that He has trusted me with giving hope, encouragment, and love to this beautiful boy. I am just simply in awe of what He has given me; entrusted me with, and how He is moving in my life. I have decided to stop following Jesus, rather I want to imitate Him. I must follow God's example.
I find myself asking, "How will I ever be able to process all that I will and have seen in Africa over the next two months?" You know, Jesus wasn't a beautiful man-- there was nothing majestic about him. The kids in Africa and in all poor countries of the world are forced to live ni poverty. They are forgotten. Jesus had a lot of people that wanted something from him, but FEW wanted just him. Jesus came from a very poor place; Nazareth. Can anything good come out of such a poor place? We usually don't consider what Jesus did for us. God sent his only Son, at His will, to cause his son to suffer for teh sake of every single human being. I can't imagine sending my son, Obed, one who I didn't even birth myself, to suffer the way Jesus did. I just can't hardly stand to think of that. Yet, Jesus was on the cross filled with joy to see what He would accomplish.
The exposure of seeing the pain here in Africa is bringing something better, just as Jesus did for us. God has me here following His example. The pain is real. Real in the children's lives, the women's lives, and in my life. How did Jesus show himself? He suffered himself. God isn't here to give us a perfect life, and I am ok with that. I realize that I have been blessed more than I ever thought possible.
Teen Retreat Monday-Wed June 24-26th
First of all I would like to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! :) Sending you love and hugs from Africa! Today I teach a lesson to the teens at our retreat we are holding for 32 teenagers at Matipane. We are bussing in 32 teens, boys and girls, to stay at our retreat center at Ava Maria and conducting a program for them based on the story of Moses in Exodus.
I ask myself how can I give these children myself? It is a life long process, a life long journey. I need to make sure that I am always aware of the gap and the disconnect between myself and Africans.
The teens made it to Ava maria and we broke them up into 5 different tables; 3 girl tables and 2 boy tables. We showed them to their rooms. They were shy, but seemed very excited to be there. Doug, our team leader, led us in a very powerful first session, showing and telling us who God says He is and how he uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. My table of 6 girls was very shy. I was the first lesson after Doug led us off. I am not going to lie, I was pretty nervous about teaching, but God blessed me in so many ways. He not only took away all of my nerves, but my translator, Victor, was somebody I knew and worked with in Ramaroka back when I was in Africa in October. I was so excited to see him, and to get to work with him again.
While I was teaching and giving The Word to the teens and using bits and pieces of my testimony to reach the kids, I couldn't have felt more at ease. The feeling I had while speaking was just one that I can not even begin to describe. It was incredible. I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I never knew how much I could enjoy speaking in front of a large group, and teaching about our amazing God. The words seemed to flow out effortlessly. I know in my heart that the Holy Spirit was giving me all the right things to say. God was using me in such a powerful way. The testimony part of my teaching made a girl break out into tears at my team member and roommate, lisa's table. After I was done, Lisa pulled me aside and whispered to me, "You moved this girl to tears at my table, and if reaching her heart is the only reason you were meant to be here in Africa, then it was def worth coming."
Our sessions went till around 10pm. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Victor, our translate. I am amazed to hear how God is working in his life. He is a pastor of a church of more than 200 members now. What a powerful example of what being sponsored does for a child, and what being a part of a VBS team or retreat team does for kids and teenagers. Five years ago Victor was introduced to a team of Americans that Doug was leading. He was a part of a VBS program that they were putting on his village. Because of the Word and what that team taught Victor through the program they put on in Africa, Victor committed his life to Christ, and now he is living his life for God. He is now leading many others towards following Jesus.
The last day of the retreat was incredible. Doug taught the last lesson on how Moses was a shadow of what was to come in Jesus. Moses and Jesus' lives were very similar. We have been blessed with more than what we deserve. We really have never suffereed. Africans suffer greatly. We don't understand how they do it sometimes. We must learn how to share what GOd hasgiven us. We live for purporses bigger than our own. We asked all the teenagers two questions. What have I been saved from, and what have I been saved for?
I pondered the two questions myself. I have been saved from brokenness and fear. I have been saved to be a light to my family, and to spread God's love to those in need all around the world. I want to be a worker for God. It was so wonderful to hear all the teens take aways from the 3 day retreat. A few of us rode the bus back to Matipane village to see how the rest of the team was doing with their VBS with the rest of the orphans in the village. I was overwhelmed with compassion and love for three little girls that sat next to me during our singing time with the village children. I also am amazed at how God has brought Hollie and I divinely together for this summer-- to walk, grow, and heal together. Thank you Jesus for an incredible 3 days with some of the most talented, loving, and inspiring teenagers in the world. Thank you Jesus for breaking my heart, over and over again.
I ask myself how can I give these children myself? It is a life long process, a life long journey. I need to make sure that I am always aware of the gap and the disconnect between myself and Africans.
The teens made it to Ava maria and we broke them up into 5 different tables; 3 girl tables and 2 boy tables. We showed them to their rooms. They were shy, but seemed very excited to be there. Doug, our team leader, led us in a very powerful first session, showing and telling us who God says He is and how he uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. My table of 6 girls was very shy. I was the first lesson after Doug led us off. I am not going to lie, I was pretty nervous about teaching, but God blessed me in so many ways. He not only took away all of my nerves, but my translator, Victor, was somebody I knew and worked with in Ramaroka back when I was in Africa in October. I was so excited to see him, and to get to work with him again.
While I was teaching and giving The Word to the teens and using bits and pieces of my testimony to reach the kids, I couldn't have felt more at ease. The feeling I had while speaking was just one that I can not even begin to describe. It was incredible. I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I never knew how much I could enjoy speaking in front of a large group, and teaching about our amazing God. The words seemed to flow out effortlessly. I know in my heart that the Holy Spirit was giving me all the right things to say. God was using me in such a powerful way. The testimony part of my teaching made a girl break out into tears at my team member and roommate, lisa's table. After I was done, Lisa pulled me aside and whispered to me, "You moved this girl to tears at my table, and if reaching her heart is the only reason you were meant to be here in Africa, then it was def worth coming."
Our sessions went till around 10pm. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Victor, our translate. I am amazed to hear how God is working in his life. He is a pastor of a church of more than 200 members now. What a powerful example of what being sponsored does for a child, and what being a part of a VBS team or retreat team does for kids and teenagers. Five years ago Victor was introduced to a team of Americans that Doug was leading. He was a part of a VBS program that they were putting on his village. Because of the Word and what that team taught Victor through the program they put on in Africa, Victor committed his life to Christ, and now he is living his life for God. He is now leading many others towards following Jesus.
The last day of the retreat was incredible. Doug taught the last lesson on how Moses was a shadow of what was to come in Jesus. Moses and Jesus' lives were very similar. We have been blessed with more than what we deserve. We really have never suffereed. Africans suffer greatly. We don't understand how they do it sometimes. We must learn how to share what GOd hasgiven us. We live for purporses bigger than our own. We asked all the teenagers two questions. What have I been saved from, and what have I been saved for?
I pondered the two questions myself. I have been saved from brokenness and fear. I have been saved to be a light to my family, and to spread God's love to those in need all around the world. I want to be a worker for God. It was so wonderful to hear all the teens take aways from the 3 day retreat. A few of us rode the bus back to Matipane village to see how the rest of the team was doing with their VBS with the rest of the orphans in the village. I was overwhelmed with compassion and love for three little girls that sat next to me during our singing time with the village children. I also am amazed at how God has brought Hollie and I divinely together for this summer-- to walk, grow, and heal together. Thank you Jesus for an incredible 3 days with some of the most talented, loving, and inspiring teenagers in the world. Thank you Jesus for breaking my heart, over and over again.
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