SORRY it has been so long since I have gotten a chance to
blog. We have been busy with teams here the last few weeks and updating sponsors
on their cuties in Thrive. We have had some really great (big) teams here
lately and it has been awesome to see everyone’s passion for Haiti and their
energy to help with projects going on here. MH4H is continuing to put cement
floors in the houses of sponsored children in the Thrive for 5 program. It has
been so cool to see how much healthier the children are and how big of a
difference these floors really make! J
Thrive for 5 has been going great as well, we are busting at the seams with
children wanting to get in! Right now the parents are deciding if their child will
be “out” of this program in October – depending on whether or not their child
is old enough to start school. All of the parents are so excited that MH4H will
be finding sponsors for their child to attend school this next fall. It takes a
huge burden off the families, especially the ones that are too poor and
otherwise would not be able to send their child to school. J God is good!
The other day I was reading a page out of an old copy of “Our
Daily Bread” and it talked about the story Jesus told of the widow who gave two
coins, which was all she had. (Luke 21:1-4.) I was quickly reminded about the
gift I received (to bring to Haiti) when I was home in December. After church, on
the Sunday I spoke about Haiti, I was chatting with a few people when all the
sudden a lady who I didn’t know came running up to me. She said, “Here, take
this to Haiti. It’s all I have in my purse right now.” She slammed some change
in my hand and as quickly as she came, she took off. Out of all the donations I
received to bring down here and use as the Lord desired, THIS one is the most
memorable. I didn’t even know the woman who gave me the change to be used in
Haiti and she didn’t even know me, yet she felt called to give all she had with
her at the time. How many of us can say we actually do that? It’s a lovely
thought but reality is that giving “all you have” at the moment doesn’t happen
that often. I love this Bible story because it reminds me that we should all
have a faith like these women (the widow in the Bible and the woman I encountered.)
I should always be willing to spend what I have on the Lord, because God is
faithful and He will always provide for me. When we have open hands to freely
give to the Lord, He is faithful and He will freely give back to us in ways
much better than money can buy. Open palms freely give and freely receive. This
is such a short story in the Bible that it could easily be overlooked but I think
it’s such a beautiful story about authentic faith in God and giving what He’s
asking of you, no matter what.
At the beginning of the month I was reading the book Consider Your Call by Gisela Yohannan and
one quote that I loved in there was this: “The job He assigns to His
tiniest sheep is as great a calling as leading a church with 10,000 people.”
It is so true! I love this quote because it’s a great reminder that every
single job in the Kingdom of God is worthwhile. And not only is every job
worthwhile, but even the tiniest contributions count just as much as the
biggest ones do. If God can feed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish
– think about what He could do if we all gave what we were called to give – not
only in money, but in time as well. (Maybe God’s calling you to volunteer at
the Many Hands Market?! J
) After receiving quite a few donations while I was home for the holidays – it was
still the tiniest amount of coins that had the biggest impact on me. The smallest
gesture can make the biggest difference. J
I love this reminder that none of our roles are ‘a little less appreciated’ by God.
Also an update for those of you from Hope Church on the January
2014 trip to Pignon. Wilfred and Carolyn are doing GREAT! Their house is
finished (see below) and their burns are healing more and more each day. WOW! J Carolyn is all healed,
but Wilfred still has a little ways to come with his foot. They have a wonderful
new home, new beds to sleep in and from the looks of it – they are officially
back on their feet! J
Thank you so much for all of you who left money behind on the trip to pay for
this project. You have no idea how much joy is in their eyes every time we go
out to visit them. They are SO thankful for your generous hearts. Bondye beni
ou! (God bless you!)
Love,
Tampico
