A SERVANT Man, Mission, Mirror!

This morning I find myself reflecting; being away from America and seeing life through the eyes of a third world resident really helps me to put some things in perspective. One, I realize how difficult it is to ask people for help and then to recover from the rejection, and continue to do so. In our mission here to improve the lives of others, I realize just how much I need the Holy spirit for strength to love others, even when it causes my own suffering; 3 out of every 5 people I know, confesses to believe in God, and many even say they are followers of Christ; I understand the Bible to teach, that the true measure of love is giving; (John 3:16) giving of one’s self, time and resources; to think more highly of others, than of ourselves. We preach and teach about giving our lives to God, as a living sacrifice; well God needs nothing from us, but that we love Him and love one another. Now before your mind runs off on a tangent of eisegetical interpretations based on the many vain philosophies, we tend to subscribe to, that support our disobedience to God; let me say this. I know how difficult life can be, and how we don’t always see our way through the many storms we face; but the weight of the matter is far greater, when we consider who (or what) we truly live our lives for! I don’t have wealth, or fame or profound social status; 99.9% of the world has never heard of me, and it doesn’t matter at all. But I have seen the smiles on the faces of four children who literally lived in a 6×7 tent made of used clothing and tarps for five years, and now in 2012, during the Christmas season they have a 12×15 firm shelter, for their testimony that God answers yes to prayers, through people, who answer yes to God! I am extremely grateful to all those who make my service possible, by allowing God to use your resources, to support our work. I am so grateful to God, for the opportunity to demonstrate the love of God! (be not just hearers of the word, but rather be ye doers). I am extremely grateful, that the Lord is continually affirming in me, that the things that truly matter are not the car I drive, or the status I have, or the number of people who approve of me; but what matters first and foremost is the salvation of mankind; accompanied by the basics, food, clothing, shelter. We must serve God in faithfulness; I have lived in both moderate (middle class) and absolute poverty, and I have learned in whatever situation I am in….I have found that these experiences have added a richness and humility to my life, that has become invaluable. As I said, I’m merely reflecting on my own life; (let every man examine his own self…) I realize how much opportunity there is in the world for me to give of myself in true service to God -(the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…) I cannot honestly say I love God, when I am indifferent to the lost, the poor and disenfranchised ; those who are meek and lowly and less fortunate. I refuse to call myself a Christian and remain indifferent to the lost and suffering. Jesus came to seek and to save those who were lost; (like me) and I owe Him a tremendous debt, that I can never repay; however, I can demonstrate my gratitude, through my service to God, in service to others. The Christmas season of 2012 is approaching, and as I look at the children playing with sticks and plants, utilizing every ounce of their little imaginations, I get the most powerless feeling. I am growing in grace, and realizing that * “what our mouths find to say; will never be as important as what our hands find to do”* Lord help me to be your ambassador to the world; help me to give my life, as a living sacrifice, as my reasonable service to you!! *Quote by Bishop W.S. Hampton Jr. – A Servant