by Barbara Latta
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| Lessons on hitting the mark in life through archery. |
A mission trip to the northern part of Tennessee called us
to go. Our church, The Church of Joy, partnered with New Salem Baptist Church and the call of Jesus to feed the
hungry, clothe the poor and preach the gospel to every creature was answered by
a group of Georgia disciples.
Sunday morning worship included a message about reaching out
to those around us. Giving money is necessary for missions, but going out to do
the work changes more than the lives of those we minister to. It changes us,
as well.
In Acts 20:35, Paul was quoting Jesus when he said it is
more blessed to give than to receive and this week we experienced that
blessing. Watching children of all ages gather to play games, listen to Bible
lessons and feed their tummies with snacks and lunch made our hearts swell with
compassion. Ministering at the Scott County Christian Care Center dug the wants of hurting people into our souls as we gave food to hungry families.
Seeing the needs first-hand grabs your heart and connects to
the call Jesus gave. He commissioned His followers to go into Jerusalem, Judea,
Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). That means we start
where we live and the love of Christ goes wherever we go. We walk in His
footsteps and become His hands and His voice.
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| Scott County Christian Care Center volunteers. |
We had to leave after a few days but the needs will still be
there. Visions of the wondering eyes of the boys and girls who came to Kid’s
Camp and the lonely faces of people who came to the care center don’t leave
after we come home.
When we experience such vast lack we can become overwhelmed
and feel as if we haven’t done enough. We say good-bye to those we came to love and the question,
“What can I do now?” burns within our minds. But Jesus said if we give a cup of
cold water in His name we have ministered His love (Matthew 10:42).
Now that we are home we can continue the mission by:
- Meeting the needs of those around us (our Jerusalem).
- Praying for those we left behind that the seeds we planted will be harvested (our Judea).
- Supporting the ministry of the Christian Care Center financially and in prayer (our Samaria).
- Support ministries that go around the world through giving and prayer. If the opportunity arises, we can go to these regions, as well (The uttermost parts of the earth).
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| Feeding hungry kids with food and God's Word. |
Our work for the kingdom will not end as long as we are on
this earth. Until Jesus returns, we are to be about our Father’s business (Luke 19:13).
Share your thoughts and experiences with reaching out to
those in need.
TWEETABLES
We can relate in so many ways, our mission trips to Mexico, El Salvadore and Ron's trip to Russia were eye-opening. So many people in need of food, fresh water, clothing, and medical care. We were able to tell about God's love through sharing the Gospel. And meeting some of the requests for food by taking beans and rice in 55gallon drums. They were so grateful, and we were so blessed by every experience.
ReplyDeleteThere is no way we can ever meet every need but we are to obey and go wherever God calls. I know all those who receive are grateful and the seeds left behind will continue to grow. It is a blessing to us as well when we give to others. Thanks, Karla.
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