Our Fellow Man

Well, it was a full day.

Preaching in the three churches in small, rural communities this morning and then joining my mentor and her husband for lunch (I had apple juice!) at a volunteer-based cafe reminded me of the incredible spirit in those communities. My husband and I were blessed by the experience.

I was pretty darn hungry by the time we got home...not to mention tired. After half of my one daily serving, I took a nap. Everyone should enjoy a nap on a Sunday afternoon.

Tonight we went to meal and auction to support Lisa Armstrong and Fellow Man International's work in Honduras. Honduran rolled tacos and tres leche cake were delightful smelling temptations this evening. (Thank goodness I saved the second half of my Numana for afterwards.)

What an inspiration! Lisa's work in Honduras has provided a clinic, school, and agricultural program that are continuing even as she is currently back in the United States due to threats against her family from drug cartels.  In particular, malnutrition has been an ongoing battle.  

Malnutrition is the number one culprit which preys especially on the young and the old, ravaging their bodies, leaving them weak and vulnerable to disease. Many diseases found in children ages 2-5 are a direct result of malnutrition brought about by a lack of food quality and quantity in the children's diets. Many children are protein deficient. 

Within the service area of the clinic, studies revealed that over 40 percent of all children are malnourished, affecting their growth and development, not to mention their health status. The clinic is involved in early detection of the malnourished child, providing rapid identification of children at risk. This reduces the incidence of second and third degrees of malnutrition which can leave children permanently affected in many ways.  The agriculture project helps provide foodstuffs high in energy, protein and vitamins to the hungry in many different ways.  May no child want for his daily bread. (Fellow Man International, emphasis mine)

Lisa reported tonight that there are no cases (zero!) of third degree malnutrition in the village at this point in time.  Not only are they growing crops, but they are also raising chickens (over 200 chickens every three weeks), eggs through their laying hens, and pork for the school food program.

The zeal and persistence of her Honduran staff in making a difference for that community on a mountain in Central America gave me renewed hope in humanity. They, who have very little, still give to help those who have even less. They give their time, energy, talents, and love at a sacrificial level in care for others. Amazing.

Meanwhile, two thousand miles to the north...

I Got To...

I got to preach this morning.

I can't tell you what an honor it is to be used in this way...to have the privilege of sharing the Word of God with others. It's a strange thing. On each of the three opportunities that I've had to preach, I have felt a tremendous amount of "heaviness" prior to Sunday morning. Particularly on Saturday.

It's not heaviness like the pressure I've felt to score well on an exam or to perform well on a speech, but a mental and spiritual heaviness that reminds me of the weightiness of God's message for each of us.

Although I pray through the whole process asking the Holy Spirit to provide me with the message, guide my words, and guide the hearts of the listeners, I understand (and take very seriously) the warning given by James to those who would answer to the call to be teachers of God's Word.

I also got to visit a few of our members in the hospital on Friday.  What a privilege to enter into a private place of healing and pray with someone who needs God's healing, comfort, and strength.  Some of my favorite conversations with fellow brothers and sisters have taken place in that sterile environment in the presence of God.  (Where two or more are gathered...)

I got to visit with young college students about Christ this past week.

I got to serve Holy Communion last Sunday while several of our members said those familiar phrases, (Christ's body/blood broke/shed for you.) in their home languages--seven different languages!

I got to help setup our recently renovated fellowship hall for the upcoming auction to benefit our missionary to Honduras while visiting with the other volunteers and occasionally picking up my friend's little girl who happens to like me...and honors me by wanting my attention.

I got to grow in grace as I experienced hunger for another week and gained new insights into this suffering.

Serving my God is not a chore, it's a privilege.

I am so grateful that I get to do it.