We prayed that we, as ordinary vessels, could be used for extraordinary things through God, the Master Potter. I can confidently say we were all amazed and humbled by God's almighty power working in our lives. We were shown what grace, kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, compassion and hope look like. His image was reflected in the eyes of the 31 children who call the Hope for Orphans Rescue Center (HOREC) in Kenya home. Here, “love one another, as I have loved you,” (John 13:34) is not a suggestion—it is a beautiful way of life. I'm reminded of the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-12, and Luke 6:20-23. Especially poignant to me is, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." These children do see God. They know, love and give thanks to God at all times, in all places and in all things. We were blessed to witness how yolking one’s self with Christ truly lightens the load.
Yes, these children and their caretakers are burdened by many things; scarcity of safe drinking water, sufficient medical care, secure educational opportunities, social stigmas, etc., but spiritually they are rich beyond measure! Bwana Asifiwe! (Praise God!) A good lesson for us North Americans—as much as our neighbors half-way around the world lack in material things, we can be spiritually deprived by allowing ourselves to be so distracted by materialism. I speak for myself when I say it is easy to complain about what I lack rather than be grateful for what I have. It is easy to become complacent, indifferent and/or feel paralyzed and helpless about such vast needs that exist in many places in this world. But, we are taught in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." None of my doubt will change a thing. None of my selfish humanity will benefit God's kingdom. I know He would rather I recognize hope and show me what I can do, rather than have me waste energy focusing on what I cannot do. I believe He wants each of us to realize, "all things are possible with God" (Matthew 19:26). The first step for me was to trust Him, to not only believe IN God, but to BELIEVE Him. To accept the wholeness of His Grace, then to be open to His will for me. I pray I can remain so. In pain, darkness and suffering, there is incredible comfort at His feet.
As we returned home, our team leader, Scott French, said to us about God, "He will place on our hearts different take aways. Some of us may be called to go back immediately, others to return years from now or to go to another place, others to tell the story, others to become missionaries, others to give mightily, others to take on the hunger challenge in our world and to serve abandoned children for our life, etc. It is all in God's hands." Yes, it is in God's hands, and WE are His hands...and feet. What might your role be in serving as the Body of Christ? Is it lifting up prayer, giving of your time or your talents? Is it reaching out through direct service to the vulnerable people of this world or financially supporting another who can go and build relationships with Christ's children and show them they are not forgotten? Are you able to network resources for their good? Is your present role to surrender your own burdens to the One who has offered His Grace to you, allowing yourself to know His peace and gaining a personal understanding of your place in His Kingdom?
I pray we can all know we are loved beyond measure, and that when we realize this, we too will extend that overflowing love to one another, our neighbors, those we know and those unfamiliar—we are all One Body with Many Parts. Tafadhali (please) explore what part is yours. God speaks to us in different ways, He relates to me through the sweet, affectionate words of Christopher Robin to his beloved Pooh Bear, "If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you." And so it is with Christ. If you feel prompted to serve directly, but like many of us, don't quite see how, find comfort knowing "God doesn't call the prepared, he prepares the called." Just like He did for many of us, if you give Him the chance, He will surprise you and work it all out. For photos and a journal of our days in Kenya kept by Joyce Genord, please visit: http://horecmission2010.blogspot.com/
May we go with Him in peace,
Kerry Wuthrich
There will be an opportunity to learn more about Global Hope at a Mission Increase dinner on Thursday, Dec. 2 at the Omni Interlocken Resort — look for more information to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment