Today is my 50th birthday- frankly one I was never sure would come. My mom died at age 48 of a massive heart attack and my dad at age 60 from cancer. Both different (one gone quickly with no chance to say goodbye and one slowly getting weaker over time until he was called home). I will say that both have helped me become the person I am today - the person who asks, "Have I made a difference in this world?" "Have I answered God's call for my life and done what I can to show HIM to the people He has put in my life?" I pray the answer to those questions is "YES!"
Yes, I do mission work in Haiti. But it hasn't always been that way. We have never been blessed with much financially but we have always found a way to help others. It just "looked different" over the years. For years we volunteered as youth leaders at our church, or we helped in our community or in neighboring communities, I was involved in "Mom's in Touch" (getting together regularly to pray for our school, teachers, students), I made meals for neighbors, I watched my friend's children because she needed to work to pay bills, etc... The list goes on and on as I am sure yours does.
I tell you these things NOT to make myself sound so wonderful. Frankly, there are times when I hear the enemy say, "Have you REALLY made a difference?" This birthday was one of those times. I found myself coming up on my birthday- my 50th- feeling like I just wanted validation- letters, notes from people to help me KNOW I made an impact in their life. It is always nice to have those little notes, letters, etc... to look back on when you are feeling low. But then I realized that I am doing what I do for GOD- not for man. Not for reward here on earth. Sure, those letters, notes, etc. make it nice but they are NOT my motivation. I am trying to be obedient to that which I truly feel called.
In the past year when talking to people about Hearts United with Haiti I have had so many people say "I wish I could do something to help you" or "I wish I could go, but ***** (it's too expensive, I can't get off work, I have this health issue, ...)". Nothing frustrates me more! I am not angry, just hurt that so many are buying into the lies of the enemy when they listen to that voice that tries to discourage them. EACH of you CAN do something- you CAN make a difference- you CAN help in Haiti!! Not all of us are called to physically go... yes, that is the "fun stuff"- the stuff that gets everyone's attention but let me tell you of a few things that have been done in the past year that have been a HUGE help for those who have gone. Without this help we would not be able to run this ministry!
- People have collected baby formula, medical supplies, clothing, school supplies, etc... and sent them to Haiti with members of our staff/teams.
- People have paid for MY plane tickets (and Ron's) so we have been able to travel to Haiti so often (we could NEVER have gone as often if it were not for these people)
- People have sewn dresses and tote bags to distribute to those in the community where we minister.
- People have donated food (chicken, pasta salad, dessert, etc...) and yard sale items for our fund raiser so we had the funds for block, cement, rebar, etc. to begin the outhouses.
- People have lifted our teams (and us) up in prayer so our trips as successful as they were.
- People have donated funds toward our transportation expenses so we were able to purchase (and then re-sell) a vehicle to use this past summer- this saved us over $4,000.
- People offered to maintain our home while we were away serving in Haiti- plowing our driveway, cutting our grass, being "on call" for our daughters, etc...
- People have told their friends/family about our organization and encouraged them to get involved.
I am sure i am forgetting a LOT that people have done for us in the past year. My point? There is ALWAYS something you can do! There is WAY too much work for one family/person (Ron and I are so busy) to do and we welcome ANYTHING you are willing to do to help us. In doing so, YOU are helping Haiti. YOU are making a difference.
Please consider what YOU can do to help in Haiti.. is it:
- holding a yard sale or other fund raiser to raise money to send to the school in Haiti to help with operating costs there?
- organizing and sending a group (or going yourself) to do some of the physical work that needs to be done on the base?
- setting some time aside to commit to pray for Haiti and our organization?
- collecting/packing up supplies needed at the school, medical center, etc... for distribution?
- Other (use YOUR imagination- ask God how to partner your gifts/abilities with the needs in Haiti)
Contact us today if you feel God is leading you to partner with us in some way. There are so many opportunities but I can honestly say "we can not do it alone". Many of these things require time/money/energy we simply do not have because God is calling us in another direction. We need the ENTIRE body to do our work- we are only part. Will you help us??? Will you see where YOU fit into God's plan for Haiti? And then will YOU commit to doing what He calls you to do? We pray you will!
So... when I feel the need to pull out those notes of affirmation to read, to look at, to push away the seeds of doubt that we are making a difference in Haiti I instead will commit to pulling up the photos of Haiti- of Chaveneau especially. I will look at those beautiful children, those beautiful people of that community that I consider close friends and I love so much and I will thank God that He has blessed me with sooooo much! I will thank Him for this life He has given me. For trusting ME to carry the message of His love to His people in Haiti. BUT I will also remember ALL THOSE PEOPLE responsible for helping me in this ministry and I will pray for those who will rise up and help in the year ahead. Are you one of those people who will help in ANY way you can? God will bless you (as He has me) for whatever role you fill- :) :) And many will be blessed! Thank you -Crystal
No comments:
Post a Comment