Have you ever taken the time to think about what it means to be a Christian; to be free to love God; to be free to pray at a public restaurant; to be free to choose to put your children in Christian schools?
I have never really given it much thought, sadly, until this week. One of my best friend's from college decided to get me a journal for my birthday a couple weeks ago. She thought it best to find a christian one; one that I could write down sermon notes, prayers, and every day thoughts. She happened to go to a store in Austin and told me she literally was stopped in her tracks upon seeing a book that she had never heard of. She didn't even know what the book was about, but God told her that she needed to buy a copy and send it to me with my birthday gift. Turns out the book was just what I believe God needed me to read and share with others.
The Insanity of God, based on a true story of faith resurrected, is about a christian couple that was led to minister starting in the Horn of Africa in Somalia. They started their work in the 1980s, wanting to help the broken people of Somalia in any way that they could. Nik Ripken, the author of the book, was one of the only people who considered putting his life in danger to help out the people in Somalia; to show them the way to Jesus. Eventually his organization led many others, including President Bush, to take action and send troops to help those in need. God then called Nik and his family out of Africa, to travel to many different parts of the world to hear testimonies from people who endured harsh persecution just because of their belief in Jesus. The book tells many tales of believers in China, Russia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa that have been put in jail, beaten, and threatened to be put to death because of their love for Jesus and their Christianity.
Upon reading this book, I have witnessed over the last year some of the harsh realities most of the rest of the world faces each day. I have seen what AIDS and diseases do to families. I have seen the effects of losing parents and what that does to innocent children. I have been to villages in Africa that Ive had the privilege to pray over people who have never had anyone pray over them, let alone heard of Jesus. I have started work on a church building in a village full of people who have never heard of Jesus and never had a church to go to. I have been to villages that have no running water, cities that are covered with trash and people sniffing glue to get high to forget about how hungry they are. While I saw these devasting and heart wrenching things, I never stopped to think about how believing in Jesus Christ would be taken by the rest of their nonbeliving country, what they might have to sacrifice to turn away from their countries religion to follow God.
My eyes were opened as I read this book and heard countless stories of what these fellow brothers and sisters endured and sacrificed beause of their belief. I am in awe of the courage and strength God gave each and every one of them in their times of trouble. Jesus' call to discipleship is to come and die. Few christians take the call literally, but it's not outside the realm of possibilty given the current state of the persecuted church. I have never once thought of our church, here in America, as one that is currently persecuted.
2 Timothy 3:12 states, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Just as a pearl is formed from a simple grain of sand with layer upon layer of deposits until it becomes a large and lustrous thing of beauty, God has worked in many people's lives to reveal the beauty of His ways and thoughts which are different from our own. More than anything this book showed me that Jesus is alive and well, the New Testament stories that were told are not just stories of the past, people today have amazing stories and show that Jesus is walking right along side of them. I pray for the persecution of the church by praying that believers in persecution will NEVER stop loving and sharing Jesus. Faith is being lived out in the most difficult of circumstances all around the world.
God has the power to overcome all forms of darkness. If you think being a God-follower will make life safe and secure, buckle your seat belt. God shows His power and glory no matter the context, challenge, or oppostion. We all have a story. We all have gone through dark times, endured pain, been hurt by people we love, and lost those that we love. This world is a dark place that can easily put out the Light in all of us. With faith in God, and remembering how many people are persecuted because of their faith, we are able to endure unspeakable persecution and yet not lose heart.
When I read the horrifying accounts of many around the world, I couldn't help but compare my life and faith to theirs. I have never been put in jail because of my faith. I haven't had to hide out in fear of some higher authority or government offical finding out that I love Jesus. I haven't been beaten, made fun of, tormented because of my worship in church. I found myself asking, "Why God? Why have you given me the blessing of living in a country where I can honor you freely without persecution such as those in China, Africa, India, etc?" I have prayed over these questions, wondering what I can do now that my eyes have been opened to seeing that their are still so many suffering in other parts of the world because of their faith and so many people who haven't been given the chance of hearing about Jesus.
A better question and anwser to my previous questions is, "Why am I NOT persecuted?" Jesus states in 2 Timothy that all who believe in God will be persecuted. If we pray for persecution to stop, wouldn't we be putting an end to spreading the Good News? It's something to ponder. Persecution has an easy solution; deny Jesus, deny your love for God. It is as simple as that. Satan would win. Satan wants us to stay as far away from Jesus as possible. He wants to deny the world access to Jesus. His greatest desire is for the people of this planet to leave Jesus alone. If Satan cannot be successful at that, he desires to keep believers quiet, to diminish or silence our witness, and to stop us from bringing others to Christ. Friends and fellow believers, is Satan winning in your life? Are you spreading the Good News to your fellow neighbors, friends, and even enemies? Are you reaching out to those that haven't been exposed to the Light?
Another question that came to mind was, "Well why are believers in America free from such persecution as prison sentencing, beatings, and death like much of the rest of the world ?"
At the beginning of every day, we choose. We decide whether we share Jesus with others or keep Him to ourselves. Why would Satan want to wake us up here in America when he has already SHUT US UP? Why would Satan bother with us when we are already accomplishing his goal? He likely says it is better we stay asleep here in America. We as Americans know better than anybody what is going on in the world. Friends, it is not enough to simply be grateful for the blessed circumstances in which we live. It is not enough to pray for those in other countries in need who are suffering. WE MUST SHIFT OUR FOCUS. Are we really being obedient to God? He is asking, and expecting us to do our part. We do not live in a repressive place. Our biggest fear in sharing our faith might be mild embarassment or rejection, yet there are so many people around the world that have lost believing relatives because they have been put to death for their love of God. Surely mild embarassment or feeling uncomfortable can be overcome by us. We might lose a few friends, might be made fun or called a "Jesus Freak." Can we not handle that when some people are serving years in prison for sharing the Good News and living out a Godly life style?
Satan can not and will not defeat us if we stay obedient to God. By spreading the Good News to others, Satan will try to tempt us to stop. He will plant seeds of doubt and dispair. He will try to bring us down in any way that he can. Friends, I urge you to think of those that are enduring so much more, yet are still loving and professing that love they have for God for others to see. You are strong and capable of anything with Jesus by your side. Don't let Satan keep you silent. I pray you listen to God's calling on your life and share the greatest gift we have ever received with those God has surrounded you with. We are NOT OF THIS WORLD. We were made to be in relationship with Jesus. By being in relationship with Jesus, He has given us a responsibility in the Great Commission. As stated in Matthew 28, Jesus told his disciples, " GO, and make disciples of all the Nations. Teach them to obey my commands. I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Friends, I ask you to not take that statement lightly. Jesus tells us to go and spread His Good News to everybody. He didn't say, "Go if you have time." He didn't say, "Go when you are ready." He didn't say, "Make disciples to just Americans." Jesus said go to every nation, and he also tells us that He will be with us always. Invite Jesus to speak into your heart on how you can go and spread His Light to others. You have the power, because Jesus is holding your hand always.
God bless you all and have a wonderful week.
Meghann
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Preparing for another journey...
I am excited to say I will be going on my next trip in a few short weeks back to Nicaragua. I am so excited to reunite with friends I met this past summer. I am beyond excited to see my little boy Moises, to talk with him about how school is going, to see his beautiful brown eyes. I can't wait to throw my arms around him, to give him pictures of us together from my last trip, to see his huge smile. I can't begin to imagine how it will feel to see him again, to touch his hair and skin, to feel him in my arms again. I remember the last time I saw him, standing in the middle of the parking lot, watching the van carry him away. I never thought I would be so touched, so emotional, from meeting him, eating and spending a few hours with him, and then saying goodbye.
Tears streamed down my face as I stood stunned in the middle of the parking lot, just a few feet away from the van. Moises and my parents child, Osmara, were sitting next to one another in the van amongst other sponsored children. They both were smiling, watching my family stand and wave goodbye. And then Moises did something I will never forget. It was like time froze for a moment and I can remember it like it was yesterday. He took his tiny hand, white teeth showing for all to see, and placed his hand to the glass window. I walked over to the van just in time to place my hand on the other side of the window, up to his. He looked at me, smiling, almost giving me encouragment that it was going to be ok. I could let him go. God had him, my little boy, in his arms.
I stood there before that moment so upset that I had to say goodbye, but Moises' simple act of placing his hand on that window to be inline with mine took away all that anger. I had made the simple act of being like Jesus ALL ABOUT ME within 3 hours. I got consumed in myself, all about how I needed to fix the brokenness in Nicaragua. I needed to provide a better life for this sweet boy. I needed to be in control of the situation. After spending a few hours with this boy, who I had just met, I felt like I had the power and resources to fix his situation. I had it all wrong though. My human characteristics were coming out, and my little boy made sure to keep me in check and he didn't even know it.
My little boy taught me a valuable lesson that day in that moment. I can not fix all the problems in this world. I can't even begin to actually comprehend everything wrong about this world, but there is somebody that can. There is someone that can heal all the brokenness, who can provide love to those who are hurting, who can be a shoulder to lean on, someone to cry to. Jesus is all those things and more. Moises taught me that through loving, all wounds can be healed. Moises was a perfect example of uncondional love for me in that day. Here is a boy, who gave me everything he had. I didn't deserve that, but he gave it to me without hesitation and he taught me that I need to do the same for every person that I come into contact with. Moises taught me that THAT is why God put me on this earth. I won't be able to fix everything in this world , but I am certain that I can change somebody's life by loving them the way Jesus has changed my life.
God has given our generation EVERYTHING we need to alter the course for human suffering and there is human suffering everywhere we turn. Change MUST start with us though. No matter how little resources you might think you have, every little bit matters. Resources aren't necessarily restricted to money either. Our time is one of the most valuable resources we have to offer. I saw first hand what a few hours of time can do to a child who just needs someone to invest in their life.
Maybe traveling to other countries to serve and help those in need isn't your thing, but there are plenty of opportunities to help others if you are just open to looking. Some people aren't going to understand why you are dropping everything to follow God and His calling, but in the end God will be smiling and you will feel the blessings He will provide for you.
Ask God to help you understand where you can make a difference, where you can help someone, and I promise you that in the end you will feel like you made a difference. It is the best feeling in the world.
We have been chosen by God to reach out to others and be a Light in this dark world. God has given you everything you need. Stepping out on faith is all it takes. I did it, and continue to do it, I know that you can too.
I pray God will use my words to stir something in your own heart. God loves you and so do I. Praying that you all have a wonderful week and use God's gifts He blessed you with for good and for the good of others.
Blessings,
Meghann
Tears streamed down my face as I stood stunned in the middle of the parking lot, just a few feet away from the van. Moises and my parents child, Osmara, were sitting next to one another in the van amongst other sponsored children. They both were smiling, watching my family stand and wave goodbye. And then Moises did something I will never forget. It was like time froze for a moment and I can remember it like it was yesterday. He took his tiny hand, white teeth showing for all to see, and placed his hand to the glass window. I walked over to the van just in time to place my hand on the other side of the window, up to his. He looked at me, smiling, almost giving me encouragment that it was going to be ok. I could let him go. God had him, my little boy, in his arms.
I stood there before that moment so upset that I had to say goodbye, but Moises' simple act of placing his hand on that window to be inline with mine took away all that anger. I had made the simple act of being like Jesus ALL ABOUT ME within 3 hours. I got consumed in myself, all about how I needed to fix the brokenness in Nicaragua. I needed to provide a better life for this sweet boy. I needed to be in control of the situation. After spending a few hours with this boy, who I had just met, I felt like I had the power and resources to fix his situation. I had it all wrong though. My human characteristics were coming out, and my little boy made sure to keep me in check and he didn't even know it. 
My little boy taught me a valuable lesson that day in that moment. I can not fix all the problems in this world. I can't even begin to actually comprehend everything wrong about this world, but there is somebody that can. There is someone that can heal all the brokenness, who can provide love to those who are hurting, who can be a shoulder to lean on, someone to cry to. Jesus is all those things and more. Moises taught me that through loving, all wounds can be healed. Moises was a perfect example of uncondional love for me in that day. Here is a boy, who gave me everything he had. I didn't deserve that, but he gave it to me without hesitation and he taught me that I need to do the same for every person that I come into contact with. Moises taught me that THAT is why God put me on this earth. I won't be able to fix everything in this world , but I am certain that I can change somebody's life by loving them the way Jesus has changed my life. God has given our generation EVERYTHING we need to alter the course for human suffering and there is human suffering everywhere we turn. Change MUST start with us though. No matter how little resources you might think you have, every little bit matters. Resources aren't necessarily restricted to money either. Our time is one of the most valuable resources we have to offer. I saw first hand what a few hours of time can do to a child who just needs someone to invest in their life.
Maybe traveling to other countries to serve and help those in need isn't your thing, but there are plenty of opportunities to help others if you are just open to looking. Some people aren't going to understand why you are dropping everything to follow God and His calling, but in the end God will be smiling and you will feel the blessings He will provide for you.
Ask God to help you understand where you can make a difference, where you can help someone, and I promise you that in the end you will feel like you made a difference. It is the best feeling in the world.
We have been chosen by God to reach out to others and be a Light in this dark world. God has given you everything you need. Stepping out on faith is all it takes. I did it, and continue to do it, I know that you can too.
I pray God will use my words to stir something in your own heart. God loves you and so do I. Praying that you all have a wonderful week and use God's gifts He blessed you with for good and for the good of others.
Blessings,
Meghann
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
25 couldn't feel any better.
Hello friends. It's been a while since my last post, but trust me it doesn't mean that God hasn't been speaking to me and working in and through the lives of those around me. It's been roughly 3 months since my return from Africa. I can't stress enough how different my life is and more importantly how different my heart is and feels today.
I am turning 25 in just a few short days. Last year about this time, I got a new cell phone, and today I randomly decided to look through and delete old photos I didn't need anymore. As I sat scrolling through the photos, I looked back on a thrilling year filled with so many new friends and memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart for the rest of my short life here on Earth. Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Nicaragua with my church, as well as my whole family. God has surely been at work in the hearts of my parents and my sister. As those of you who have read this blog, I also was blessed to go to South Africa in October.
As I looked through the pictures on my phone from both trips, I cant help but state how overwhelmed I was and currently am about looking back on two amazing, life changing journeys. Meeting my two boys I sponsor was probably the greatest highlight of my 24th year of life. Obviously both trips were the best part of my year, but just being able to meet Obed and Moises in person and know who I am helping and giving life to, is just something I can't even begin to put into words.
I struggled with many things leading up to both trips; having enough money, the unknowns, going to a country I have never been in, spiritual warfare, people not understanding why you are leaving. My list could go on for days, but I can't stress enough how thankful I am that I looked beyond everything and trusted God with it all.
As I look back to turning 24 last year, I try to remember how I felt about the new year. I remember praying before the New Year that God would use 2012 to be a life changing year and to show me what my purpose was. Turning 25 honestly couldnt feel any better. I think if it did, I would probably explode at the seams. I am so excited to see what God has in store for me this year. With another trip to Nicaragua coming up, and hopefully another trip to Africa planned later in the year, I couldn't be more thankful and blessed to say that I have a faithful and loving God. I don't know how last year could be topped, but I know God is good and He has big plans as long as I am open to listening to His calling on my life.
Today I remember that I am a living testimony that God uses faithfulness to produce fruit; that He turns broken, hurting people, into new; that He uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
I give you, Lord, all the Glory, Honor, and Praise.
25 has never felt so sweet.
Thank you Jesus.
Praying for you all. God bless.
Meghann
I am turning 25 in just a few short days. Last year about this time, I got a new cell phone, and today I randomly decided to look through and delete old photos I didn't need anymore. As I sat scrolling through the photos, I looked back on a thrilling year filled with so many new friends and memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart for the rest of my short life here on Earth. Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Nicaragua with my church, as well as my whole family. God has surely been at work in the hearts of my parents and my sister. As those of you who have read this blog, I also was blessed to go to South Africa in October.
As I looked through the pictures on my phone from both trips, I cant help but state how overwhelmed I was and currently am about looking back on two amazing, life changing journeys. Meeting my two boys I sponsor was probably the greatest highlight of my 24th year of life. Obviously both trips were the best part of my year, but just being able to meet Obed and Moises in person and know who I am helping and giving life to, is just something I can't even begin to put into words.
I struggled with many things leading up to both trips; having enough money, the unknowns, going to a country I have never been in, spiritual warfare, people not understanding why you are leaving. My list could go on for days, but I can't stress enough how thankful I am that I looked beyond everything and trusted God with it all.
As I look back to turning 24 last year, I try to remember how I felt about the new year. I remember praying before the New Year that God would use 2012 to be a life changing year and to show me what my purpose was. Turning 25 honestly couldnt feel any better. I think if it did, I would probably explode at the seams. I am so excited to see what God has in store for me this year. With another trip to Nicaragua coming up, and hopefully another trip to Africa planned later in the year, I couldn't be more thankful and blessed to say that I have a faithful and loving God. I don't know how last year could be topped, but I know God is good and He has big plans as long as I am open to listening to His calling on my life.
Today I remember that I am a living testimony that God uses faithfulness to produce fruit; that He turns broken, hurting people, into new; that He uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
I give you, Lord, all the Glory, Honor, and Praise.
25 has never felt so sweet.
Thank you Jesus.
Praying for you all. God bless.
Meghann
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Random Acts of Kindness
As Christmas draws near, I find myself getting caught up in the hoopla of making sure everybody I know gets a Christmas card, and the perfect gift, adorned with the most beautiful wrapping paper with the perfect bow on top. The stores and malls are flooded with people alike searching for that special gift for that special someone. Every commercial on TV tries to draw us into their stores for their great sales to purchase more and more stuff.
As a single woman living alone, I recently put up my first Christmas tree, decorated with gold and red beads, ornaments, and glistening white lights. My windowsill is cluttered with Christmas cards from family and friends, sparkly lights, and glittering red snowflake decorations. My family members have all asked what exactly I want for Christmas. I pause to stop and focus on the word want. What do I want?
I find myself being torn in two completely opposite directions; Meghann the woman of THIS world, and Meghann the woman of God meant to be different and stand apart from this world. The wordly Meghann seems to be able to think of a few things that might be nice to have; a new computer, ANOTHER pair of boots, a Kerig Coffee maker, new running shoes, and a new camera. None of the things I have thought of are things that I really need though. If I am being honest, there is really NOTHING that I am in need of. I have a beautiful home, filled with food, heat, a closet full of clothes, and running water. I have a family that adores me and supports me for who I am, a church family who is there for me when I need them, friends that have my back and truly love me for me, and a Heavenly Father that has saved my life and made whole and new.
Since my return from Africa, I find myself struggling to keep a grasp on God's reality. I find myself realizing that something can be very real to me, but entirely untrue. I believe alot of us can look at areas in our life and realize this statement is true. This Christmas season I have been playing tug-a-war with this WORLD view of Christmas and the REAL meaning of Christmas. I find myself thinking about the precious kids I worked with in the village of Ramaroka and Segkopo.
This Christmas I am not worried about needing anything, especially not worried about my safety in the neighborhood I live in. Govenment officials are being killed in the very province I was working in in South Africa just a few short weeks ago. Have you stopped to read about what is going on in Africa right now?
God has truly blessed me with just the small fact that I live here in America. Why me though? My mind could spend hours going in circles with this small realization. Why did He pick me to live here in America? Why have I been so richly blessed with everything I have? Why are their children in Africa who have dreams, hopes, and goals alike that will not have enough food today, tomorrow, or even next week? My heart cries out for the children I held, the children I played with, the children I showed Jesus to, the children who have no families to eat Christmas dinner with. God has only given me one answer to all the questions I have for him about why me and it really is quite simple.
He whispers to me, "Because I love you Meghann." I stop and realize that it doesn't mean He doesn't love me any more or any less than the hungry, needy orphans of Africa. God hasn't punished or priviledged any of us more than anybody else. This world and it's ways are the sole reason why kids in Africa are dying each and every day from malnutrition and the deadly disease of AIDS. The sin of this world is causing this not God. God is there in every moment, I witnessed and saw Jesus in the beautiful children's eyes there. What Africa needs is people like you and me, willing to go and bring the hope and life back into these hurting children and people's lives. God is there, yet God needs avenues, platforms, and people to use to bring His presence to the surface in a place where famine, starvation, crime, and disease drive out all the Light.
Everything about my journey has been difficult, and everyday continues to be a constant battle between wanting to be home in Africa helping the children in need. I have to realize though that God has a perfect plan, and I was able to carry it out by going and listening to God's calling for me to be His Hands and Feet in Africa. I never in a million years thought that two short weeks spent thousands of miles away would change my perspective in every single area of my life.
Friends, I urge you to stop and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Forget all the gifts, the wrapping paper, and the New Years resolutions. Jesus came to earth, taking the form of a human being, having living, breathing, flesh like you and me. God sent this baby to teach us the simple act of living life in a way pleasing to God. He sent Him to restore us; to save us; to fill us with everlasting joy in a fallen, broken world.
How are you living your life? We could all probably agree that we all are very comfortable when it comes to having enough to live on, making enough money to support our needs, and having family and friends to help us in our times of struggle. We all have made mistakes, fallen short, and I continue to fall short every single day. But friends, God loved you SO VERY much that he Blessed you with a rich life; a life where you know Him and have all the proper tools follow Him and to be a disciple for him in this sinful world. I challenge you to make a resolution not just for this upcoming year, but for the rest of your life. Make a resolution to devote your life to God's work.
God says in James 1:27, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." God has opened my eyes and heart for this sole reason. If you don't know what your purpose is in this lifetime, if you don't feel like you are making a differece in your life to anybody, I promise you, go to God and give yourself away today. Deny yourself, forget about your selfish desires, set aside some time, and ask God how you can make a difference in somebody else's life. He says it plain and simple in James 1:27. Care for the widows and orphans of this world. Period. It is so so simple, yet so many of us make excuses. People feel uncomfortable talking about the poor. My friends, what and how are you spending your money? Let me rephrase that. You know everything that you own and have and place value on materialistically will not and NEVER will bring you lasting joy. We are always wanting MORE. More stuff to floods our homes with. Have you ever felt an emptiness inside you after all the gifts are opened and Christmas is over? You got everything you asked for, yet you still just feel sort of empty. FRIENDS, there is a solution to that emptiness and it is JESUS. Invite him into your heart, or if He is already there invite Him to change your heart. Change your heart to feel the things HE feels. Ask Him to change your eyes to see the things that hurt Him everyday to see. He can renew your spirit and fill you with joy you have never experienced. I am a living testimony of that. Ths world has failed me in more ways than one. I was and still am a broken woman that has been trampled on by worldly people and things, but God has restored my life and my heart. He has opened my eyes and heart, and I know that my life has a purpose and meaning to others.
Maybe God will call you to changing the world by sponsoring a child in Africa. I know it might seem small, and the Devil might whisper in your ear things like, "How can sponsoring one child make an impact when there are millions who are hungry." Friends, it just takes starting with one. One turns into 10, and then turns into 100. You are changing the world to that one little boy and girl.
I saw with my very eyes what it means to these beautiful children to be sponsored. This Christmas they will not have a mother and father to give them gifts, to leave cookies out for Santa, to eat Christmas dinner with. The ones that are sponsored though have hope, because an American has taken the time, money, and energy to invest in their lives, to support them, pray for them, and love them enough to make that all possible for them. With each kid sponsored, I know God is smiling and His heart is filled with joy.
Maybe this Christmas you and your family could volunteer to serve at a shelter, ring the bell for Salvation army, or simply buy the car behind you in the drivethrus coffee or meal. The feeling of doing random acts of kindness is something I can not fully descibe, but it is one that never gets old, and never goes away. This world filled with all its false realities is hard to not get wrapped up in. Take the time to go to God, ask Him to open up your eyes and heart, and give you strength to be different; to stand out; to be the change He wants to see in the world.
I am not sure when God will take me back to Africa, but everyday my heart longs for the people, children, and friends I met on my stay. Until I return, I must try and make a bigger impact here, for Africa does have many financial problems and is lacking much, but the US is lacking far more in the areas of selfishness, greed, and power. How can you be a Light to those who need one in your life? You are beautiful and special in God's eyes. You were meant to read the words on this page. Act on these words, for these are not mine, but from God working through me.
Many blessings and well wishes to all,
Meg
As a single woman living alone, I recently put up my first Christmas tree, decorated with gold and red beads, ornaments, and glistening white lights. My windowsill is cluttered with Christmas cards from family and friends, sparkly lights, and glittering red snowflake decorations. My family members have all asked what exactly I want for Christmas. I pause to stop and focus on the word want. What do I want?
I find myself being torn in two completely opposite directions; Meghann the woman of THIS world, and Meghann the woman of God meant to be different and stand apart from this world. The wordly Meghann seems to be able to think of a few things that might be nice to have; a new computer, ANOTHER pair of boots, a Kerig Coffee maker, new running shoes, and a new camera. None of the things I have thought of are things that I really need though. If I am being honest, there is really NOTHING that I am in need of. I have a beautiful home, filled with food, heat, a closet full of clothes, and running water. I have a family that adores me and supports me for who I am, a church family who is there for me when I need them, friends that have my back and truly love me for me, and a Heavenly Father that has saved my life and made whole and new.
Since my return from Africa, I find myself struggling to keep a grasp on God's reality. I find myself realizing that something can be very real to me, but entirely untrue. I believe alot of us can look at areas in our life and realize this statement is true. This Christmas season I have been playing tug-a-war with this WORLD view of Christmas and the REAL meaning of Christmas. I find myself thinking about the precious kids I worked with in the village of Ramaroka and Segkopo.
This Christmas I am not worried about needing anything, especially not worried about my safety in the neighborhood I live in. Govenment officials are being killed in the very province I was working in in South Africa just a few short weeks ago. Have you stopped to read about what is going on in Africa right now?
God has truly blessed me with just the small fact that I live here in America. Why me though? My mind could spend hours going in circles with this small realization. Why did He pick me to live here in America? Why have I been so richly blessed with everything I have? Why are their children in Africa who have dreams, hopes, and goals alike that will not have enough food today, tomorrow, or even next week? My heart cries out for the children I held, the children I played with, the children I showed Jesus to, the children who have no families to eat Christmas dinner with. God has only given me one answer to all the questions I have for him about why me and it really is quite simple.
He whispers to me, "Because I love you Meghann." I stop and realize that it doesn't mean He doesn't love me any more or any less than the hungry, needy orphans of Africa. God hasn't punished or priviledged any of us more than anybody else. This world and it's ways are the sole reason why kids in Africa are dying each and every day from malnutrition and the deadly disease of AIDS. The sin of this world is causing this not God. God is there in every moment, I witnessed and saw Jesus in the beautiful children's eyes there. What Africa needs is people like you and me, willing to go and bring the hope and life back into these hurting children and people's lives. God is there, yet God needs avenues, platforms, and people to use to bring His presence to the surface in a place where famine, starvation, crime, and disease drive out all the Light.
Everything about my journey has been difficult, and everyday continues to be a constant battle between wanting to be home in Africa helping the children in need. I have to realize though that God has a perfect plan, and I was able to carry it out by going and listening to God's calling for me to be His Hands and Feet in Africa. I never in a million years thought that two short weeks spent thousands of miles away would change my perspective in every single area of my life.
Friends, I urge you to stop and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Forget all the gifts, the wrapping paper, and the New Years resolutions. Jesus came to earth, taking the form of a human being, having living, breathing, flesh like you and me. God sent this baby to teach us the simple act of living life in a way pleasing to God. He sent Him to restore us; to save us; to fill us with everlasting joy in a fallen, broken world.
How are you living your life? We could all probably agree that we all are very comfortable when it comes to having enough to live on, making enough money to support our needs, and having family and friends to help us in our times of struggle. We all have made mistakes, fallen short, and I continue to fall short every single day. But friends, God loved you SO VERY much that he Blessed you with a rich life; a life where you know Him and have all the proper tools follow Him and to be a disciple for him in this sinful world. I challenge you to make a resolution not just for this upcoming year, but for the rest of your life. Make a resolution to devote your life to God's work.
God says in James 1:27, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." God has opened my eyes and heart for this sole reason. If you don't know what your purpose is in this lifetime, if you don't feel like you are making a differece in your life to anybody, I promise you, go to God and give yourself away today. Deny yourself, forget about your selfish desires, set aside some time, and ask God how you can make a difference in somebody else's life. He says it plain and simple in James 1:27. Care for the widows and orphans of this world. Period. It is so so simple, yet so many of us make excuses. People feel uncomfortable talking about the poor. My friends, what and how are you spending your money? Let me rephrase that. You know everything that you own and have and place value on materialistically will not and NEVER will bring you lasting joy. We are always wanting MORE. More stuff to floods our homes with. Have you ever felt an emptiness inside you after all the gifts are opened and Christmas is over? You got everything you asked for, yet you still just feel sort of empty. FRIENDS, there is a solution to that emptiness and it is JESUS. Invite him into your heart, or if He is already there invite Him to change your heart. Change your heart to feel the things HE feels. Ask Him to change your eyes to see the things that hurt Him everyday to see. He can renew your spirit and fill you with joy you have never experienced. I am a living testimony of that. Ths world has failed me in more ways than one. I was and still am a broken woman that has been trampled on by worldly people and things, but God has restored my life and my heart. He has opened my eyes and heart, and I know that my life has a purpose and meaning to others.
Maybe God will call you to changing the world by sponsoring a child in Africa. I know it might seem small, and the Devil might whisper in your ear things like, "How can sponsoring one child make an impact when there are millions who are hungry." Friends, it just takes starting with one. One turns into 10, and then turns into 100. You are changing the world to that one little boy and girl.
I saw with my very eyes what it means to these beautiful children to be sponsored. This Christmas they will not have a mother and father to give them gifts, to leave cookies out for Santa, to eat Christmas dinner with. The ones that are sponsored though have hope, because an American has taken the time, money, and energy to invest in their lives, to support them, pray for them, and love them enough to make that all possible for them. With each kid sponsored, I know God is smiling and His heart is filled with joy.
Maybe this Christmas you and your family could volunteer to serve at a shelter, ring the bell for Salvation army, or simply buy the car behind you in the drivethrus coffee or meal. The feeling of doing random acts of kindness is something I can not fully descibe, but it is one that never gets old, and never goes away. This world filled with all its false realities is hard to not get wrapped up in. Take the time to go to God, ask Him to open up your eyes and heart, and give you strength to be different; to stand out; to be the change He wants to see in the world.
I am not sure when God will take me back to Africa, but everyday my heart longs for the people, children, and friends I met on my stay. Until I return, I must try and make a bigger impact here, for Africa does have many financial problems and is lacking much, but the US is lacking far more in the areas of selfishness, greed, and power. How can you be a Light to those who need one in your life? You are beautiful and special in God's eyes. You were meant to read the words on this page. Act on these words, for these are not mine, but from God working through me.
Many blessings and well wishes to all,
Meg
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Living Intentionally State Side
November 20, 2012
Hello friends--
It's been alittle over a month since my amazing journey to God's country of South Africa. The whole experience still is so fresh, so raw. My emotions are still all over the place. I wake up every day with the kids faces in my mind. I can't seem to stop thinking about how they are doing, what they are doing, if they are missing me as much as I am missing them, or if they know really how much they blessed me during my time there.
I am a changed woman. Anybody that has known me could see that. I believe our whole team is full of changed people, with changed hearts. I feel as if I have fallen in love with Jesus all over again, in a way that I never have fallen in love before. I am continually searching for Him, in every situation I find myself in.
My team has been one of my saving graces. Without their love and support, this last month would have been next to impossible. I don't even know how to explain how I am feeling. I have a feeling of fullness, like I am ready to explode at the seams with love, heartache, energy, hurt, and frustration. Love; for I have fallen in love with the people and children of Africa. Heartache; for all the brokenness I saw in Africa and for not being able to just fix everything there. Energy; I am on fire, wanting to show and tell everybody about how we can't fix everything, but we can change one person's life. Hurt; I am hurting, for God broke my heart while I was there. Frustration; for those that don't find sponsorship THAT important, THAT big of a deal. Frustration for those who continually live in the bubble of comfort we find ourselves in here in the states. I find that I am even frustrated with myself sometimes.. getting sucked into the things our society thinks is important.
This weekend I was given the opportunity to speak with Doug and Sandy, my amazing God-fearing African trip leaders, at my church. Can I just say that God is really using my pastor Dave in mighty ways. I am so grateful for his openness to taking the time out to allow the three of us to speak on such an imporant matter for all of us who claim to be Christians. I'm not going to lie, I don't normally like to speak in front of a whole room of people. I grew up kind of hating presentations in school. God worked it all out though. He blessed me with allowing my team to come up to support the three of us during our presentation to the church. I don't think they fully realized how much it meant to me to have them there. All of them go to our main campus in Indy, and they hadn't seen our new church here in Lafayette. It was beyond amazing to have them all there, sitting in the front row, wearing their Africa shirts. It was emotional to say the least, us all being together again, minus Susan and Meri. We missed you both! :) I know God used the three of us to reach out to our congregation and let them know what we saw, what broke our hearts, and what we learned. We even got a hand full of kids sponsored between both services! AMEN! :)
One of the main things I stressed was the difference in how I view serving now. Before my missions to Nicaragua and Africa, I kind of viewed serving as something to just check off my to-do list. Serving was something that I thought "good" Christians do, the right thing to do. I never really thought about being blessed through serving. I viewed it as I was blessing others through the various actitives and tasks I would do during serving. Well, God woke me up from that false assumption and reality. Serving has and is the most rewarding thing I can do here on Earth. It isn't about how much money I can donate, how many kids I sponsor, how many bricks I can make on a mission trip, how many meals I can pack on Good Neighbor weekend at church. It isn't about any of that. The bottom line is that serving shouldn't even be called serving. It should be calling loving.
My trip to Africa wasn't about giving all the kids food, clothes, and a new life. It was about loving them, for who they are, because God loves them and commands us to love them by showing them who He is. By loving them, I gave them the greatest gift I could give them. I gave them Hope; hope in Jesus. How simple right? It is so simple when you have God in your heart and when you see their big brown eyes looking at you, just asking you to love them. People here need that same love. We all need it, and if you take the time to look, you will see that there are people here that are searching for that love too.
Have you loved on somebody today that looks as if they are having a rough day? How hard is it to ask, reach out, invite someone to church? How difficult is it to call a friend you haven't talked to in a while? How hard is it to devote some of your time to volunteer in the kid's ministry in your church? How hard is it to sponsor A child, one single child? How hard is it to spend some more quality time with your grandparents? How hard is it to ask someone if they need prayers for anything?
Friends, I can tell you, a few years ago I was the most self-centered, self-absorbed woman I knew. Everything was all about me and MY dreams I had planned for myself. God had a funny way of getting through to me. I am a very stubborn, strong-willed, and determined individual and it wasn't until all my so-called "plans" were crushed and made nonexistant that I came to terms with the changes I needed to make in my life. I proclaimed I was a Christian, but I wasn't living it out. I wasn't living in a way God would have approved. I was at my ropes end, at the lowest of lows, and it was in that moment when I cried out to God and asked for Him to change me, to show me the right way. I have Him to give all the glory and credit to for me making me into the woman I am today. I have my amazing church, Pastor Dave and Steve, my loving family, my terrific friends here in the states, and the amazing relationships I have made in Nicaragua and Africa, my amazing new family members; Nica team members and my Africa team, and my two precious little boys, Moises and Obed.
God has taken my brokenness and turned my life completely around. He has really blessed me. And really, all I had to do was ask. Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." This verse really stays true to my life. Now, that verse is taken out of context a lot of the time. It isn't saying that everything I ask of God will be given to me. If I ask God for a million dollars, do you think He will bless me with that? Most likely not. This verse is saying if I ask, seek, and open the door to God, He will give me everything that I will ever need, everything He wants me to have. God is faithful. I never in my life imagined to be a part of something greater than myself. I never in a million years thought I would have been a part of multiple mission teams, loving on kids in Nicaragua and in Africa. None of those were in my dreams and plans for my life a few years ago, but the verse holds true to my life. I asked, I seeked, and I knocked on God's door. He in turn led me here; a woman on a new mission that is centered on God. A woman that can and has changed the world by loving on those who needed loved in places I never thought I would ever be. A woman that is made new and that has been filled with the Holy Spirit. A woman that couldn't ask for anything more, because I honestly believe I have everything that I would ever need because of Jesus.
I have no idea where He might lead me next, but I am thankful for where He has brought me up to this point. You know all those facebook "thankful statuses"? Each day you pick one thing that you are thankful for. Well.. every single day I wake up and I thank God for changing my life, waking me up, allowing me to see myself in His eyes, giving me the opportunity to really see the things that break His heart everyday. Friends, I challenge you to be thankful for your life, for it isn't your life at all. It's God's life. Live intentionally for Him, I promise He will give you all your hearts desires and give you more hope, joy, and love that you could ever even imagine.
Much love to you all.
Stay thankful,
Meg
Hello friends--
It's been alittle over a month since my amazing journey to God's country of South Africa. The whole experience still is so fresh, so raw. My emotions are still all over the place. I wake up every day with the kids faces in my mind. I can't seem to stop thinking about how they are doing, what they are doing, if they are missing me as much as I am missing them, or if they know really how much they blessed me during my time there.
I am a changed woman. Anybody that has known me could see that. I believe our whole team is full of changed people, with changed hearts. I feel as if I have fallen in love with Jesus all over again, in a way that I never have fallen in love before. I am continually searching for Him, in every situation I find myself in.
My team has been one of my saving graces. Without their love and support, this last month would have been next to impossible. I don't even know how to explain how I am feeling. I have a feeling of fullness, like I am ready to explode at the seams with love, heartache, energy, hurt, and frustration. Love; for I have fallen in love with the people and children of Africa. Heartache; for all the brokenness I saw in Africa and for not being able to just fix everything there. Energy; I am on fire, wanting to show and tell everybody about how we can't fix everything, but we can change one person's life. Hurt; I am hurting, for God broke my heart while I was there. Frustration; for those that don't find sponsorship THAT important, THAT big of a deal. Frustration for those who continually live in the bubble of comfort we find ourselves in here in the states. I find that I am even frustrated with myself sometimes.. getting sucked into the things our society thinks is important.
This weekend I was given the opportunity to speak with Doug and Sandy, my amazing God-fearing African trip leaders, at my church. Can I just say that God is really using my pastor Dave in mighty ways. I am so grateful for his openness to taking the time out to allow the three of us to speak on such an imporant matter for all of us who claim to be Christians. I'm not going to lie, I don't normally like to speak in front of a whole room of people. I grew up kind of hating presentations in school. God worked it all out though. He blessed me with allowing my team to come up to support the three of us during our presentation to the church. I don't think they fully realized how much it meant to me to have them there. All of them go to our main campus in Indy, and they hadn't seen our new church here in Lafayette. It was beyond amazing to have them all there, sitting in the front row, wearing their Africa shirts. It was emotional to say the least, us all being together again, minus Susan and Meri. We missed you both! :) I know God used the three of us to reach out to our congregation and let them know what we saw, what broke our hearts, and what we learned. We even got a hand full of kids sponsored between both services! AMEN! :)
One of the main things I stressed was the difference in how I view serving now. Before my missions to Nicaragua and Africa, I kind of viewed serving as something to just check off my to-do list. Serving was something that I thought "good" Christians do, the right thing to do. I never really thought about being blessed through serving. I viewed it as I was blessing others through the various actitives and tasks I would do during serving. Well, God woke me up from that false assumption and reality. Serving has and is the most rewarding thing I can do here on Earth. It isn't about how much money I can donate, how many kids I sponsor, how many bricks I can make on a mission trip, how many meals I can pack on Good Neighbor weekend at church. It isn't about any of that. The bottom line is that serving shouldn't even be called serving. It should be calling loving.
My trip to Africa wasn't about giving all the kids food, clothes, and a new life. It was about loving them, for who they are, because God loves them and commands us to love them by showing them who He is. By loving them, I gave them the greatest gift I could give them. I gave them Hope; hope in Jesus. How simple right? It is so simple when you have God in your heart and when you see their big brown eyes looking at you, just asking you to love them. People here need that same love. We all need it, and if you take the time to look, you will see that there are people here that are searching for that love too.
Have you loved on somebody today that looks as if they are having a rough day? How hard is it to ask, reach out, invite someone to church? How difficult is it to call a friend you haven't talked to in a while? How hard is it to devote some of your time to volunteer in the kid's ministry in your church? How hard is it to sponsor A child, one single child? How hard is it to spend some more quality time with your grandparents? How hard is it to ask someone if they need prayers for anything?
Friends, I can tell you, a few years ago I was the most self-centered, self-absorbed woman I knew. Everything was all about me and MY dreams I had planned for myself. God had a funny way of getting through to me. I am a very stubborn, strong-willed, and determined individual and it wasn't until all my so-called "plans" were crushed and made nonexistant that I came to terms with the changes I needed to make in my life. I proclaimed I was a Christian, but I wasn't living it out. I wasn't living in a way God would have approved. I was at my ropes end, at the lowest of lows, and it was in that moment when I cried out to God and asked for Him to change me, to show me the right way. I have Him to give all the glory and credit to for me making me into the woman I am today. I have my amazing church, Pastor Dave and Steve, my loving family, my terrific friends here in the states, and the amazing relationships I have made in Nicaragua and Africa, my amazing new family members; Nica team members and my Africa team, and my two precious little boys, Moises and Obed.
God has taken my brokenness and turned my life completely around. He has really blessed me. And really, all I had to do was ask. Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." This verse really stays true to my life. Now, that verse is taken out of context a lot of the time. It isn't saying that everything I ask of God will be given to me. If I ask God for a million dollars, do you think He will bless me with that? Most likely not. This verse is saying if I ask, seek, and open the door to God, He will give me everything that I will ever need, everything He wants me to have. God is faithful. I never in my life imagined to be a part of something greater than myself. I never in a million years thought I would have been a part of multiple mission teams, loving on kids in Nicaragua and in Africa. None of those were in my dreams and plans for my life a few years ago, but the verse holds true to my life. I asked, I seeked, and I knocked on God's door. He in turn led me here; a woman on a new mission that is centered on God. A woman that can and has changed the world by loving on those who needed loved in places I never thought I would ever be. A woman that is made new and that has been filled with the Holy Spirit. A woman that couldn't ask for anything more, because I honestly believe I have everything that I would ever need because of Jesus.
I have no idea where He might lead me next, but I am thankful for where He has brought me up to this point. You know all those facebook "thankful statuses"? Each day you pick one thing that you are thankful for. Well.. every single day I wake up and I thank God for changing my life, waking me up, allowing me to see myself in His eyes, giving me the opportunity to really see the things that break His heart everyday. Friends, I challenge you to be thankful for your life, for it isn't your life at all. It's God's life. Live intentionally for Him, I promise He will give you all your hearts desires and give you more hope, joy, and love that you could ever even imagine.
Much love to you all.
Stay thankful,
Meg
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Kingodm Lost, Kingdom Come
Hi friends,
The team is safely back and it has been about a week since we have been home. Last weekend the team got together and went to church in Carmel and fellowshiped over dinner afterwards. We had a wonderful time talking about the trip, the struggles we have had over the week, and the things we miss most about your new home in Africa. I wanted to share with you an amazing discussion and study by our great team leader, Doug. He gave us and led us in this discussion before we headed to the airport on our way home.
Please, take the time, grab a bible and read and look up these passages! I promise it will forever change your opinion on God's purporse for this earth and for your life!! Love you all!!!
Where Does Jesus want this kingdom?
What are the characteristics of this kingdom?
Why did Jesus teach us this prayer?
Story of the Kingdom Lost
Isaiah 14:11 –17
Ezekiel 28: 11 -19
Luke 10:18
Revelation 12:4
Genesis 1:1b
Genesis 1:2 – 25
Genesis 1:26 – 31
Genesis 3:1 – 13 and 23, 24
Genesis 6:11 - 13
Matthew 21:1 – 5
John 1:1 - 14
Philippians 2:5 – 11
Acts 1:1 – 8
Isaiah 11
Matthew 25
Revelation 22
The team is safely back and it has been about a week since we have been home. Last weekend the team got together and went to church in Carmel and fellowshiped over dinner afterwards. We had a wonderful time talking about the trip, the struggles we have had over the week, and the things we miss most about your new home in Africa. I wanted to share with you an amazing discussion and study by our great team leader, Doug. He gave us and led us in this discussion before we headed to the airport on our way home.
Please, take the time, grab a bible and read and look up these passages! I promise it will forever change your opinion on God's purporse for this earth and for your life!! Love you all!!!
Kingdom Lost…Kingdom
Come
Jesus taught his followers to pray…”your kingdom come, your
will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” Matthew
6:9 Luke 11:2
Questions
What are the
characteristics of a “kingdom?” Where Does Jesus want this kingdom?
What are the characteristics of this kingdom?
Why did Jesus teach us this prayer?
Story of the Kingdom Lost
Isaiah 14:11 –17
Ezekiel 28: 11 -19
Luke 10:18
Revelation 12:4
Genesis 1:1b
Genesis 1:2 – 25
Genesis 1:26 – 31
Genesis 3:1 – 13 and 23, 24
Genesis 6:11 - 13
Matthew 21:1 – 5
John 1:1 - 14
Philippians 2:5 – 11
Acts 1:1 – 8
Isaiah 11
Matthew 25
Revelation 22
Kingdom Lost Kingdom Come
A long time ago in a place…I am not sure where…the universe
was in harmony and peace
The King of all things enjoyed the attention and worship of
His/Their created subjects.
And they enjoyed the benefit and pleasures of serving and
worshipping their Creator/King.
However, one of the Kings three most trusted and highest
ranking generals was in turmoil…conflict. A doubt about the King…a seed of
mistrust…a corrupted idea had begun to grow in this general’s thoughts.
Isaiah
14:11- 17 Ezekiel
28::11 – 19
This one who was the “Model of perfection” has now become the
model of rebellion against His King, the creator of the universe.
What
happened? What is his name??
The Creator/King is left with no alternative but to expel the
rebel from His presence. So Lucifer; now called Satan is cast out of heaven and
thrown down to…where? EARTH!!
Luke 10:18
And there were many who chose to follow him because of his
great lies against the Creator/King. They were also thrown down with him.
Revelation
12:4
Now because of this Rebellion the place to which the Master
Rebel had been banished and thrown down – this once beautiful planet called
Earth, which at one time had been filled with all kinds of life, is now plunged
into disorder and chaos and confusion and become void of life.
It has become the abode of the Rebel
Genesis 1:1b
But the Creator/King all things is also the Redeemer/Recreator
of all things as well. He plans to
re-establish His rule and reign in all the parts of the universe where it has
been challenged and lost to the rebellion. And He decides to start in the place
where the rebellion has its headquarters…EARTH
Genesis 1:2
– 25
At the heart of his Redemption plan is a new creation like no
creation ever before. One who was made in image of the Creator who would
re-establish the Creator/Kings presence and rule in the earth. This new created
being would be called mankind…man and woman. At last God’s kingdom, His rule
and influence and joy was being restored again.
Genesis 1:26
– 31
All was well for a time, until the day the Rebel devised a
plan to once again overthrow the Creator/King’s intentions. At a time when the
man and woman were vulnerable, The Rebel came to them and enticed them by
planting the same corrupted idea that had caused his own downfall into their
thoughts. The woman was the first to accept the idea and then the man followed,
leaving the King no alternative but to once again expel from His presence the
rebellious ones.
Genesis 3:1
– 13 and 23, 24
The effect of this second rebellion on the earth was
catastrophic and global. The Corruption of the Rebel permeated the entire
world.
Genesis 6:11 - 13
Of course the Creator/King was broken hearted but He was not
defeated. Even in the defeat of this first attempt to re-establish His rule and
influence, a plan was birthed to invade the Rebel’s dominion and overthrow his
rule. The very Creator/King Himself would enter the Rebel’s kingdom in a
disguise so ingenious that no one would recognize Him. He would enter as one of
those very one’s he had created.
Matthew 21:1
– 5 John 1:1 – 14 Philippians 2:5 – 11
He would do this so that he could teach them the Truth about
the Creator/King and about the original idea of His Kingdom before it had been
corrupted. He would live a life that demonstrated the ideals of this kingdom
and he would confront the forces that preserved and promoted the rebellion.
And, if necessary He would die so that all those who believed in him would
understand the importance of following His ways.
And this is exactly what happened. He died…He gave his life
so that all mankind could escape the ideas and powers of the rebellion and have
the power of the Kingdom to live a life on the earth that would represent the
Creator/King accurately.
Before he died he reminded his followers of something that
had been intended and declared from the beginning. In the beginning God had
purposed mankind to be made in his image and reflection and to go into all the
earth and recreate and populate the earth with His image. Now Jesus commanded
his followers again to “Go into all the earth and make disciples (populate the
earth) by teaching the things he had taught them.
Matthew
28:16
After he died and was raised again to life he sent to them
the Spirit who had empowered him to live out God’s nature in the earth so they
too could live out the same nature and reflection of God’s image.
Acts 1:1 – 8
When He was on the earth, He taught his followers a very
important lesson; a prayer to help his followers remained focused on their
task. A prayer that would invite the Creator/King to live through them in the
same way and for the same reason He lived while He was on the earth. He taught
them to say, “Father in heaven, holy is your name. Let your kingdom come and
let your will be done, on this earth the same way it is in heaven.
Isaiah 11 Matthew 25 Revelation 22
October 13th-14th- Our Last days here :(
God has had favor on our team, it has stopped raining!! :)
Today is bitter sweet because it is our last day at Ave Maria! Last night we had a wonderful time sharing our stories and listening to Andres and Nellie's amazing story about their mission work and working for Horizon!! What amazing people! :)
There are so many layers that God has showed me on this trip. God chose me to be here-- we can't be upset about why other people don't see missions in the same way as we do now. We must keep serving in the same way when we return home. The whole meaning of serving has changed for me. Serving others in the name of Jesus is hard-- it isn't going to give me a better life. It isn't about what we get out of serving, its about sharing what we have.
How can I go home and give it away to others?
The greatest need of people is LOVE. What we gave the kids will never run out this week. The relationship is the most important part. God says we have to serve, duty is then fulfilled. There are lost, hurting people everywhere. You may be one that is reading this blog post right now. I challenge you to show acts of love and kindness daily. Offer your time to the Lord. It doesn't matter what everybody else thinks about your life and your lifstyle. We just have to obey God-- be what God wants us to be. Everybody is valuable, because we all are children of God. Quit focusing on what you don't think you have. Stop worrying about your insecurities, God says we all are valuable.
I find myself asking, Now what God?
God tells me that all I have to do is pray. Trust HIm that He will build me up to spread His Word and let everybody know what I learned and saw on this amazing love story of a journey. I can not change the world in a week. I realize I can not convine everybody that mission work is important and it brings God's joy and Heaven to earth. God will use my life though, to draw people to know more of God.
Friends, you must remember why you alive, reading this blog. You are a child of God and were made to spread his Light to others. Your career isn't why you were hand-made by God. For some reason God has brought you to this moment, this moment of reading this blog post, to show and tell you that you are loved. You are loved and you were made to love.
I've thought at different low points in my life that my heart was broken and could never be fixed. I have been deeply hurt by people in my life time. We all have. My heart has never been broken like this though. My heart is breaking as we speak because of the things I have seen and felt here in this small village of Ramaroka. I do know that I will always find God when I work in helping others who need help. He has been present and alive in every team member this week. He has been present in the children, and I have seen Him in all their faces.
This trip God has allowed me to inhale so many emotions, feelings, and lessons. It is now time to exhale. I must release everything I have seen and learned. I love you my dear friends. Thank you for all the support, prayers, and love you have shown me to be the woman I am today.
Today is bitter sweet because it is our last day at Ave Maria! Last night we had a wonderful time sharing our stories and listening to Andres and Nellie's amazing story about their mission work and working for Horizon!! What amazing people! :)There are so many layers that God has showed me on this trip. God chose me to be here-- we can't be upset about why other people don't see missions in the same way as we do now. We must keep serving in the same way when we return home. The whole meaning of serving has changed for me. Serving others in the name of Jesus is hard-- it isn't going to give me a better life. It isn't about what we get out of serving, its about sharing what we have.
How can I go home and give it away to others?
The greatest need of people is LOVE. What we gave the kids will never run out this week. The relationship is the most important part. God says we have to serve, duty is then fulfilled. There are lost, hurting people everywhere. You may be one that is reading this blog post right now. I challenge you to show acts of love and kindness daily. Offer your time to the Lord. It doesn't matter what everybody else thinks about your life and your lifstyle. We just have to obey God-- be what God wants us to be. Everybody is valuable, because we all are children of God. Quit focusing on what you don't think you have. Stop worrying about your insecurities, God says we all are valuable.
I find myself asking, Now what God?
God tells me that all I have to do is pray. Trust HIm that He will build me up to spread His Word and let everybody know what I learned and saw on this amazing love story of a journey. I can not change the world in a week. I realize I can not convine everybody that mission work is important and it brings God's joy and Heaven to earth. God will use my life though, to draw people to know more of God.
Friends, you must remember why you alive, reading this blog. You are a child of God and were made to spread his Light to others. Your career isn't why you were hand-made by God. For some reason God has brought you to this moment, this moment of reading this blog post, to show and tell you that you are loved. You are loved and you were made to love.
I've thought at different low points in my life that my heart was broken and could never be fixed. I have been deeply hurt by people in my life time. We all have. My heart has never been broken like this though. My heart is breaking as we speak because of the things I have seen and felt here in this small village of Ramaroka. I do know that I will always find God when I work in helping others who need help. He has been present and alive in every team member this week. He has been present in the children, and I have seen Him in all their faces.
This trip God has allowed me to inhale so many emotions, feelings, and lessons. It is now time to exhale. I must release everything I have seen and learned. I love you my dear friends. Thank you for all the support, prayers, and love you have shown me to be the woman I am today.
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