Today, I went for a rather long, yet refreshing jog under the Florida sun. When I was running for about an hour, I felt very dehydrated and tired and prayed to find a place with water because I was still far from home. As I looked on the roadside, I saw a small strawberry shop. I almost passed by, thinking they would not give me free water (I had no money on me), but my dry mouth convinced me to at least check. Thankfully, a nice gentleman offered me a fresh cold bottled water right away!
Drinking the bottle of water reminds me of a time when I was in Kenya, jogging. At that time I had bottled water with me and drank it when I was done. Pastor Paul was jogging with me and told me that people from some villages would gratefully make that size of bottle last for an entire family for a few days. WOW! That is just INSANE! But for some, it’s all they have. They do with the small amount of resources available.
After the water, I continued my jog, feeling refreshed. However, I was pretty tired, hungry and thirsty as the jog continued. In the distance, I saw an orange tree. The oranges looked so refreshing! I craved one immediately! As I was contemplating how wonderful the orange would taste, I thought of precious children around the world that suffer from starvation. If I wanted an orange that bad, even though I had eaten before my jog… I contemplated how much starving children crave food after not eating for days. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone to content; however, it’s not distributed that way. I am left again wishing food and water was equal opportunity for all.
At the end of my jog, I came into the house, guzzled more water, went to the fridge, took out the orange and ate it with delight!!! Oh my goodness, it was the best tasting orange, EVER! Yes, I was totally blessed by an orange.
If you read all of this...As you go on with your day today, I hope you are reminded, as I was, just how blessed your life is to simply have water to use from the faucet and food to grab from the fridge, or cabinet. It’s such an amazing gift, which can be easily forgotten. <3
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Bobby and Lisa received amazing news the other day! While in the states, they have been raising funds for a new church at one of their centers. The church will hold 1,000 people. The space is needed with a growing congregation. One of the churches in the US that heard of their need from Bobby and Lisa’s visit, donated $20,000 for the project. Just yesterday, they found out that a member at that same church is donating another $20,000! That’s amazing! Now they are almost to their goal, with another $20,000 to go... God is good!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Fantastic weekend!
This past weekend, I have been ‘Wowed’ by amazing people and circumstances. The Becthel’s and I took the van for a trip that would take us to two churches. Bobby was preach at both. One of the nights I stayed at a sweet couple’s house. They were a joy to be with, VERY kind, and hospitable. Sunday morning they took me to the church where Bobby would preach.
While Bobby did his message in service, I had a power point presentation to show the Sunday school class about Africa. The point of the presentation is to show them a different culture, to show them poverty and make them think of how thankful they can be to live in America, as well as pray for those that are not as fortunate as we are. I think it’s important for children to learn these things at a young age so they are mindful of other places in the world. The children were incredibly receptive, and full of curiosity.
The individuals I spoke with from the church, before and after service were very warm. I enjoyed the conversations. One lady I spoke with told me that she had always wanted to be a missionary. She has many friends that are and hopes she can go someday, even though she is a bit older. She said that at her age, she realizes what is important in her life and all the ‘stuff’ that she has just does not mean anything. She said, “If anything it’s stressful to have so much stuff and I don’t know what will happen with it all when I die.” We discussed how easy it is in America to get wrapped up in things and always want more, but in the end, you can’t take it with you; therefore, it is a waste of time to put so much energy into 'things'. She was very wise. I love conversations like that because after going to Africa, I learned that striving for possessions, positions, etc. in the end is pointless. When I die, I certainly won’t be thinking of the things I had, the successes I achieved, or wishing I had more, I will be thinking of the people I love and the time I spent with them.
***
When we finished up at that church, we had lunch and traveled to the next church in Jacksonville FL. This time there were more children to present to. As I sat down in the children’s room, a couple little girls came and sat next to me. They were so sweet. One of them gave a gift to her friend. I told her I thought it was great that she made a bracelet for her friend. Then she told me that they exchange gifts all the time. The other girl had a gift waiting to give, too. It was a picture for her friend, she happily handed it over return the gift from her friend.
Soon enough, they heard I was going to speak about Africa. They were really excited when they found out that I was the ‘missionary lady’(that’s what they called me). One of them colored a picture for me and wrote on it, “I’ve never sat next to a missionary before!” I don’t think they realized I can’t really call myself a missionary yet. Lol, but it was so cute.
All the kids were FULL of questions about Africa, they were asking about animals and the way people live. One child asked if they have bath tubs and I let her know that in villages, they don’t bathe, or shower because they do not have the resources to. Most of them looked shocked and made funny noises when they learned that.
After the kid talk, I had the opportunity to talk with a couple of bright teenage girls. Both of them had mission work on their hearts. One of them is sure that she wants to be a missionary. The other is considering. It was inspiring to talk with these young girls that were full of ambitions to serve others and reach out for Christ.
I finished up, went into the church where Bobby and Lisa were with Ethan and Connor. They had a huge line of people just hoping to get a chance to talk to them. People waited a long time to have a conversation with them. Everyone wants to talk to the missionaries!
While Bobby did his message in service, I had a power point presentation to show the Sunday school class about Africa. The point of the presentation is to show them a different culture, to show them poverty and make them think of how thankful they can be to live in America, as well as pray for those that are not as fortunate as we are. I think it’s important for children to learn these things at a young age so they are mindful of other places in the world. The children were incredibly receptive, and full of curiosity.
The individuals I spoke with from the church, before and after service were very warm. I enjoyed the conversations. One lady I spoke with told me that she had always wanted to be a missionary. She has many friends that are and hopes she can go someday, even though she is a bit older. She said that at her age, she realizes what is important in her life and all the ‘stuff’ that she has just does not mean anything. She said, “If anything it’s stressful to have so much stuff and I don’t know what will happen with it all when I die.” We discussed how easy it is in America to get wrapped up in things and always want more, but in the end, you can’t take it with you; therefore, it is a waste of time to put so much energy into 'things'. She was very wise. I love conversations like that because after going to Africa, I learned that striving for possessions, positions, etc. in the end is pointless. When I die, I certainly won’t be thinking of the things I had, the successes I achieved, or wishing I had more, I will be thinking of the people I love and the time I spent with them.
***
When we finished up at that church, we had lunch and traveled to the next church in Jacksonville FL. This time there were more children to present to. As I sat down in the children’s room, a couple little girls came and sat next to me. They were so sweet. One of them gave a gift to her friend. I told her I thought it was great that she made a bracelet for her friend. Then she told me that they exchange gifts all the time. The other girl had a gift waiting to give, too. It was a picture for her friend, she happily handed it over return the gift from her friend.
Soon enough, they heard I was going to speak about Africa. They were really excited when they found out that I was the ‘missionary lady’(that’s what they called me). One of them colored a picture for me and wrote on it, “I’ve never sat next to a missionary before!” I don’t think they realized I can’t really call myself a missionary yet. Lol, but it was so cute.
All the kids were FULL of questions about Africa, they were asking about animals and the way people live. One child asked if they have bath tubs and I let her know that in villages, they don’t bathe, or shower because they do not have the resources to. Most of them looked shocked and made funny noises when they learned that.
After the kid talk, I had the opportunity to talk with a couple of bright teenage girls. Both of them had mission work on their hearts. One of them is sure that she wants to be a missionary. The other is considering. It was inspiring to talk with these young girls that were full of ambitions to serve others and reach out for Christ.
I finished up, went into the church where Bobby and Lisa were with Ethan and Connor. They had a huge line of people just hoping to get a chance to talk to them. People waited a long time to have a conversation with them. Everyone wants to talk to the missionaries!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
