the tiniest role

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