Simply the Title Page

Sometimes the words just don't come.

As I sit here tonight trying to come up with some words to share with you, I find that I'm struggling with the fact that the intensive part of this project is ending in a rather non-climactic way.

(Interesting side note:  The song that woke me up on the first day of this project, woke me up again today.  I'm very curious about what it will be tomorrow on the last day.)

Going into this I had high hopes to raise awareness and make a difference. Even though I'm not seeing the "fruit" of this project, I know that I planted some seeds. I pray that some of them landed in some fertile soil.

As for me, this experience has affected me in many ways.

For example, (and this was completely unexpected) I find that I am disgusted by the waste and excess in our culture. I am particularly offended by shameless boasting about that abundance. There are so many unmet needs out there in the world.

How do we reconcile that in our own minds? I can't.  How will we reconcile that with God? Well, God, I just really, really wanted that $75,000 car and $500,000 house...and knew you would understand that my wants should come before the needs of others.

Really? Will He?

Take a look at Matthew 19:16-26:

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

“Why do you ask me about what is good?”Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”  (Here Jesus is pointing out to the young man that he doesn't even understand what "good" is! The whole Old Testament proved to us that nobody can be "good" enough.  We are all sinners...even the very best of us fall way short.)

“Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied,“‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” (Ha! This young man thinks pretty highly of himself!)

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  (Oof!)

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Notice that Jesus points out that it is impossible for a rich man to save himself...however, he also makes it clear that "with God all things are possible".  Yes, all Christians have been blessed by the gift of grace...even the rich ones.

However, if you have treasure here, it will still be right here when you are gone. But, if you give it away now, you will have treasure in heaven.

As Christians, shouldn't we be blessing others with our gifts?

Yes. Sacrificially.

Our time here is short...simply the title page of the book. All of your treasure is worthless as of page 2 if you don't use what was entrusted to you to help others.

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...