I just need to give a shout out to two of the most amazing people I know and love dearly. They have been weighing heavily on my heart and on my mind for quite some time.
Question: Why would a group of people take time to travel thousands of miles and live in nearly primitive conditions for 2 weeks? Why would they choose to live on a diet that would cause them to drop 10 or more pounds in 2 weeks? Why would they put up with fire ants, scorpions, lizards, or tarantulas? Why would the choose to look into the face of impending death? Why would they do any of this just for themselves?
The answer is clear: They wouldn't.
Recently my brother and sister [Donny and Maria] returned from a spirit led mission trip to Africa. (check out www.mariaonamission.blogspot.com for the absolutely amazing and still unfolding story) Now of course, there are certainly easier ways to get that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping those in need than giving up your life for 2 weeks, spending 2 months worth of your household income, and throwing yourself smack dab in the center of a community dying of AIDS in Africa. But if you want to walk on water, you simply must step out of the boat. You have to take that first step of faith in order to grow. Donny & Maria were able to draw on something far stronger than their own "charitable" natures. They were able to discover the satisfaction that comes when you reach out for your God-given purpose in life. They were able to harness in the power of our living God and witness his presence and his movement in Africa. The children they came into contact with will be changed as a result. Think about it....if you are a 6 year old, in an orphanage, dying of AIDS, you probably don't have a whole lot of "good days" to remember. Maria blew bubbles and painted children's faces. She made them smile. She showed them joy, a little bit of what it should be like to be a kid, more importantly she showed them the light and love of Jesus Christ, by serving them in the same way that Christ did. Donny played soccer with children, sang songs with them, held them, smiled at them and showed them the love of Jesus that is in him. These kids received something amazing from Donny and Maria. Something that no one else may ever give them again. Their time spent in joy and fun with Donny and Maria may well be the last hopeful thing on their minds as they drift from this world into the hands of their loving Father in Heaven. What these children gave Donny and Maria is far beyond human comprehension. It is something that is only known to those who follow Christ in the same way that Donny and Maria do. Known only to those who step out of the boat - those who walk on water.
Talk about satisfaction!
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