Experiencing Africa Through World Vision

This weekend, I went to a World Vision exhibit on the AIDS crisis in Africa. It was such a moving and heart-rending experience to listen to the story of Olivia, one person inflicted with AIDS, and to walk through various displays depicting different points in her life. There were displays set up illustrating the lives of four different people, which all led to a "clinic" set up to find out whether or not the person had AIDS. At the end, there was a prayer chapel area set up with pictures of people in Africa who have AIDS, and a chance to sponsor children affected by the crisis. I walked through the story of Olivia, where it told of how she was raped and gave birth to a son. Her poignant story continued where she was then raped again a second time, in which she contracted AIDS, and when she gave birth to her daughter, she also had AIDS due to feeding from the breast milk. My heart cried for this single mother of two children, who not only has AIDS herself, but, has found that her daughter has it also. My prayer is that God will be at work through this dark crisis; and that organizations like World Vision and missionaries with a heart for Africa like my friend Laura, would be able to continue to make a difference.

My LORD

I trust in the LORD's goodness, HIS perfect Plan, and HIS Purposes. He loves me. He knows me. He has blessed me above and beyond all that I deserve or need. Not my will, but HIS be done. There is nothing on earth I desire besides HIM (Psalm 73:25). Amen!

Encouragement through His Word

The following verse is one that has often crossed my mind, which I was just reminded of today: “[My Word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV) This is an encouragement to me to continue to serve through leading Bible Studies; for He has said that it would not return empty and that it will accomplish His purposes. Amen!

Jumping the Hurdles

I'm still running the race, trying to keep my eyes on Jesus and the Finish. I feel like I've encountered several hurdles; but, because of the "cloud of witnesses" cheering me on, I think I'm going to be able to clear the hurdles and keep running. God really does know what we need, and in the past several weeks, He's been providing the extra encouragement that I needed, in order to keep running the race. He's brought several people to voice encouragement; and in the studies, I was able to see that people keep coming back and they even invite others. All of this is truly God at work. As shy and quiet as I am, I truly am amazed to see Him using me in teaching the Sunday class and leading the Thursday fellowship. I'm going to keep running with endurance. The hurdles and challenges are expected; and I just need to be faithful to the end.

"Don't Quit. Keep Playing"

From yesterday's sermon, I was able to gain some encouragement that I was needing. My pastor was preaching on the familiar story of Jesus Feeding the 5000. We were reminded that while what we have may seem insignificant in light of the challenges, like the little boy's lunch with so many people to feed, BUT, with Christ, when we allow ourselves to be "broken" and used by Him, He can multiply the result. And as an illustration, the pastor once again told the story of the little boy who walked on stage and was innocently playing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"; before a concert to be given by Polish pianist and statesman, Ignace Jan Paderewski. The great piano master quickly came to the piano and whispered in the boy's ear "Don't quit. Keep playing"; and leaning over, he began filling in the bass part and started a running obbligato. "Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life"

Stand in Awe and Listen

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 provides several great reminders on how to approach worship with the right attitude. We are to "guard our steps", to watch what we say or do; so that our worship is not meaningless or empty. We are urged to "listen", which means to learn what God has said about worship and to obey. And we are to remember that He is in heaven and we are here on earth. He is worthy of worship and we are to "stand in awe" of Him. How often do we take for granted the privilege of coming before Him freely to worship? And how often do we forget, that He is to be revered and feared, that He is a great and awesome God? So, that is the attitude that I regard Him now, the great and awesome God whom I should listen to and obey. I look at my "thorn in the flesh", and it's easy to be frustrated and ask "Why?" Yet, just last night, He once again reminded me that His grace is sufficient for me; and I felt better after I offered Him a prayer of Thanksgiving for all that He has abundantly blessed me with, in this life. And then this morning, another incident gave me pause, and made me wonder "Why?" I shook my head, and tried to fight off the feelings of disappointment, frustration, and even anger. Yet, I fortunately know what is right and I know that I need to TRUST in HIM. And, in this morning's sermon, my pastor said that we often ask "Why?" because we are looking for someone or something to blame. But, it is best to bypass the "Why?" and just focus on what is key. So, as I write this now, I am reminded to focus on Him as the One who has given us all that we have as gifts to be enjoyed and to be used for His glory. He loves me and has a purpose for all things. Life, with HIM, takes the meaninglessness away; so, the conclusion in Ecclesiastes is the same as the point in the beginning of chapter 5, to "Stand in Awe and Listen" is basically the same as "Fear God and Obey." And, that is what I am going to do. While I may not see the whole picture, and there are things I do not understand, I will just "Stand in Awe and Listen". Amen!