Opportunities to be Jesus hands, feet, voice, and heart

God throws opportunities to make a difference into our path daily. The question are we looking for them and when we see them how do we respond?

I have to admit I never used to see them very often. I only saw what I was looking for, and that was an opportunity or lack thereof to go overseas. And so often I missed the amazing opportunities God gave me to make an impact here in the USA. Constantly now I notice the request for prayers and donations all over social media. The options and opportunities to help others are overwhelming but such an amazing blessing and gift. God gives us the gift of being able to make a difference in other's lives. Sometimes thats through words of encouragement or interaction, other times through prayer, and yet other times through financial or material means. I never used to see them as equal but they are. God uses us in different ways to help the body of Christ and to further His kingdom on earth.

I don't have a whole lot I can offer of myself right now, I don't have much time I can offer. But I can give my prayers, and I can give my money, to support ministries and missions that need just that. I am constantly having my eyes opened to the needs all around me and it has been such a blessing from God that He is allowing me to see and participate in helping others in a new way.

So I encourage you to look around and see what opportunities God has given you to step out in faith and be blessed by helping His kingdom. You'll be amazed by how many there are and how rewarding it is to be a part of God's plan for this world! :)

So start with one thing. The next time you see a request for prayer or money or willing hands to serve, don't just pass it by and think "oh that's nice". Do something! Knowing about problems and needs isn't enough if you do nothing when you have the ability to do something! Do something for others at every opportunity you get, because Jesus did everything for you!

Give

For anyone interested in donating money to Neema house - the home for the HIV children. Here is the link:
http://discovertheworld.org/portfolio-view/neema-baby-reception-center/

Here is their Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neema-childrens-home-Eldoret/186224768171657

The couple who started this are an amazing picture of servants of God and they just love these children. so please, if you are looking for a worthy use for your money, send some of it their way, it will make a difference and bless children's lives.

Here also are the links for:

Heshima handicapped children's center
- http://www.heshimachildrenscenter.org/
- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heshima-Childrens-Center/117201841656386

Amani Ya Juu (employs refugees and widows)
- http://www.amaniafrica.org
- https://www.facebook.com/AmaniyaJuu

Walls & Counting the Cost

It's amazing to me, how easily we put up walls around our hearts and emotions, to shield ourselves from hurt, to shield ourselves from the difficulty of life. Sometime in the last few months I did that, without even realizing it. I pushed what I had seen aside, because it was too hard to relive it, too hard to face the inhumanity and suffering when I am surrounding by those indulging their every whim. Even worse I am one of those who indulges their every whim.

I have been seeking an opportunity to use my skills as a nurse to serve in Africa. I found an organization called AIM (Africa Inland Mission). It immediately caught my eye with the description:

"Imagine a sprawling acacia tree casting shade on a hot African plain. And beneath it, there are people. Standing. Moving. Singing. There’s a drummer hammering out a beat on a well-worn skin drum. And the song: you can’t understand the words, but the sound is beautiful, and you recognize the expression on those faces. Joy. The kind that comes from worshiping the One who created us to worship. The scene is but a small part of the African Church. But it’s a scene that describes what Africa Inland Mission is all about.

Our heart is to see the worship of Jesus Christ spread across the continent of Africa – through individual lives fully committed to Him, and collectively through Christ-centered church communities. The Church in Africa is vast and growing daily. But with over 900 African people groups who have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, the task is far from finished."

I was immediately captured. Not only do I LOVE acacia trees, but the description was so beautiful and hit close to home. I applied and emailed back and forth with a coordinator then had a Skype interview with an amazing, godly woman working for AIM. Everything seemed to be coming along smoothly, I wasn't really sure where it was heading but I was trusting God would show me if it was His will. 

An opportunity was mentioned to me in Uganda working with children. I immediately was intrigued and said I was interested. Then came the email with my acceptance as an AIM member. In that email I was asked whether I would consider serving 6 months instead of 3. I mentally stopped.

My first thought was "that is so long. I would miss Christmas with my family". I mentioned it to my family and asked them to pray about it as I was praying about it. And I waited. I waited for God to show me a sign or give me a clear answer. He didn't and I thought that must mean I wasn't supposed to go, but I continued to pray, all the while overanalyzing myself and wondering why I was so hesitant.

Then came a conviction. "What are you willing to sacrifice?" It may not have been worded exactly that way but the message cut to my heart. I had wanted to do missions on my own terms. I hadn't counted the cost. What good is it if I serve God and it doesn't cost me anything? If it is easy it loses meaning, serving God is supposed to require a sacrifice on my part, otherwise how am I showing Him my love for Him? It became quickly apparent to me that my greatest hesitation was fear and selfishness, I was terrified of the unknown, of being away from home that long, of not knowing how things would be or anyone there, and selfish because I didn't want to miss Christmas and family and food and my friends and modern comforts. But God doesn't use fear and selfishness to lead His children. So I knew instantly that my hesitations were from Satan. and why? because Satan doesn't want me to go and serve and love others, he wants me to stay home in my comfort zone, afraid.

I am still waiting to hear back from AIM, but I told them I am willing. I am continuing to pray about God's will, that be it Uganda or somewhere else that He would use me wherever He sees fit. I ask all those reading this to pray with me. I want to be putty in God's hands, that He may use me to show His glory. I have many failings and weaknesses, but He is bigger than my resume and He can use the weak, in fact the Bible says He delights in using the weak (thank goodness!).

So I am seeking God's will and waiting to see if Africa looms on my horizon again, I know God's plan and timing are perfect. So now I am simply waiting to see what doors He opens or closes.