Children homelessness and hunger are two of my top causes that ignite passion to fight for justice within me. Perhaps the most devastating part of culture and society today is that we have a tendancy to get comfortable in our lives. Yes, we have problems. Yes, we have trials. Yes, we comfort our neighbors and friends. But do we really believe that the Bible was, is and will always be true?
Today I am writing a testimony that the Bible was, is and will always be true. How? Because while I was interning at a church in Northern Virginia, our youth ministry worked with Martha's Table nonprofit organization. Martha's Table is a nation-wide project to help with child hunger. Coordinating between the local Martha's Table in Washington D.C. and our 4-6th grade youth ministry, I spoke to each group of our 4-6th grade boys and girls youth group. I had them number off 1-2-3-4. When we got to the 4th person, if they were suffering in hunger or homelessness, they were not eating today. We kept going round and round until the point was made. We then talked about children going hungry in America today and the overwhelming statistics that come with this problem. Think about when you don't eat. We get headaches, we get grouchy and irritable. Biochemically, the body needs food to stay balanced and full of energy. Think of a child - they can't concentrate, they're tired, their mood swings shift faster than ours, they aren't able to focus on one task at hand, hunger pains in their stomachs, nausea, etc. Yes, hunger around the world is a problem. But folks - hunger in our own backyards is monumental.
Following Jesus' example, we gave thanks to God that though we were a small group, we loved him and asked him to bless our project. Newsletters went out to parents. Word of mouth got out to local grocery stores. Our youth and fellows acted as ambassadors for Christ to their neighbors, friends and family. We even received a gift card from a grocery store from the manager to buy whatever was most needed for our food drive. After three weeks of consistent prayer and giving thanks to God, our results were in.
We were able to meet our goal of feeding 400 children between two elementary schools in the poorest, most poverty-stricken neighborhood in Washington, D.C. But just like the disciples found out then, collecting extra basketfuls of bread and fish, we had collected enough food to also feed the community in which the children lived. Families, parents, neighbors - they were able to eat for an entire weekend because God provided so plentifully. Why? Because we didn't just believe a story in the Bible was a story. We believed what was true then, is true now. And we reminded God of that and He delivered more abundantly than we could have ever imagined.
Friends, please remember that Jesus promised us that we would do even greater works than he did. That means that we must check our own hearts. Where are you? Are you skeptical? Have you been wounded enough to think you aren't able or that someone else out there will do something about it? Write this down on an index card and stick it in your wallet, hang it from your rearview mirror, write in on your bathroom mirror, repeat it in your head until you believe it with your whole heart:
"For nothing is impossible with God."
-Luke 1:37 (NLT)-
Each one of us is needed. The Body of Christ has many parts and each of them serves a different purpose. But the one thing we must do is love each other - especially the children who are dependent in so many ways.
Today I am challenging you to check your heart, check your motivation. If you doubt that you can make a difference, sever that bondage in the name of Jesus and believe it. You and your passions, abilities and love is desperately needed. If you don't know where to start, I will provide some links to get you brainstorming. If you're already involved, spread the word! The children need us and you have something to give. If you don't know it, and would like to have intercessary prayer to discover it, write me an email: let.faith.arise.0307@gmail.com. I would be honored to pray for you!
Whatever we do, we must do it not unto men but as working for the Lord.
Ideas to Get Your Started:
1) Check into a local food bank. Ask them how you can help. If you have an abundance of canned foods, offer to give some. If you have time, go and sort some to help out a family.
3) Check around with churches in your area. Often, a ministry will support feeding the homeless. Pitch an idea to feed the children. Ask to put a time and place to meet for anyone interested in supporting this cause in the bulletin. Brainstorm and work together to make it happen.
4) Put an ad in the newspaper - anyone interested in joining a group to help child hunger in the surrounding cities, meet at ___ @___ for a one hour discussion on how to get this project off the ground.
5) Advocacy is huge - awareness is the number one fault. Many people have the apathetic response of, "Bless their hearts," but what is being done about it? Do some research of your own and get the word out.
6) Musicians! Listen up. Ask around for a gig at a local cafe or church event. Decide on a set list - maybe 5 to 10 songs. Get the word out (usually 3-4 weeks allows people to mark calendars and remember the event) that you are hosting an event to profit children suffering from hunger or homelessness. All proceeds go to ____ (pick a local shelter or a nationwide organization). Or maybe all proceeds will go to a shopping trip for groceries that can be given to a local food bank. Sky is the limit.
7) Chefs, bakers, line cooks - ya'll have a special talent for creativity and taste. Do the same thing as the musicians or better yet, team up with the musicians. Throw an event where each appetizer or light fare or dessert costs somewhere between $1-5. All proceeds go to....
8) Families! Some of us are guilty of having 10 cans of black beans where maybe we only actually need three or four. Use the clean-out-your-pantry as an opportunity for service.
9) Artists of all mediums - Use this fall's series of shows as an opportunity to ask for an additional $1 to each piece sold to profit your local food bank or local shelter.
10) Runners! We keep our bodies fit for a reason. We love leaving it all on the pavement. To me, there is nothing better than a long run. So why not use our legs and lungs for something more than adding miles? Again, get the word out that a group of you or even one of you are hosting a local run/walk 5k, 10k or half marathon. All registration proceeds go to the local food bank, shelter, schools, or nonprofit of your choice.
Children are gifts from God. Volunteer. If you don't have the resources or money, give your time. There is not a child alive (even the most trying ones!) who will not change your perspective forever. They are innocent, precious and deserve to be treated with the upmost love and care.
Today, I pray that by the end of this post, you are filled with God's love so abundantly that you know you are loved beyond measure. I pray that you would receive direction and guidance in the ways God needs you to help fulfill his mission. I pray that you acknowledge that you are needed and have the courage to use your gifts and abilities. And above all, I pray that you help a child with a meal and pray for their provision. Jesus is our advocate and we can repeat God's promises back to him because it is living and true then, now, and always. Peace be unto you.
No comments:
Post a Comment