My Assumption

After returning from the youth mission trip to Honduras in July (NC Baptist Men's Deep Impact), I've been pondering ways to "transfer" my abundance to those who simply need clean water and a healthy environment in Honduras and other third world countries. After the teachings we sat under and the circumstances we witnessed in the medical clinic, I feel convicted that if I, and if each of us individually, will examine ourselves, our lives, our possessions, and determine to make a change and make a difference in just one plot of land somewhere in the world...........little by little, it will make a BIG difference. My focus is on helping to change those "plots of land" in the world in Honduras where I served, Camp Betel and El Tablon. Already plans are in place to provide a monthly medical clinic for the children and families already being served in other ways at Camp Betel. Plans are being developed for possible water filtration systems that we hope can be used in these areas. For a small glance inside the implications of living with unclean water, check out this link at World Vision http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=1753162

God is already at work in Honduras. We joined Him for a week, and are continuing the partnership with His people at work there. It's exciting! But back to real life here in Salisbury.......how can I make real changes in my life that will really be able to affect lives in Honduras? The way I feel most convicted these days is to make great changes in how we celebrate the Christmas holidays. I'm still thinking and exploring, but I will strive this Christmas to develop more thoughtful gift-giving. And if that means no gift at all to someone who already has everything they need in exchange for giving that money to the medical clinic at Camp Betel, then that's what I'll do. Free email Christmas cards instead of beautiful snail mail cards and the money to buy them and stamps to mail them. Buying decorations? I already have more in my attic than I can use! One website that I plan to explore for more ideas is The Advent Conspiracy. Giving to those who truly "need" seems to me to be the best way to honor Jesus.

Now to share another viewpoint along these same lines...........I don't usually sit around and watch sermons at home. I do my share of listening to good teaching, but on Sunday nights, gathering around the TV to watch Charles Stanley is not usually on my agenda. But this past Sunday night, my husband happened across Andy Stanley preaching at First Baptist Atlanta (subbing for his dad), and his sermon title was "The Assumption of Consumption." His thoughts really spoke to me and to the situation that I'm pondering regarding my possessions and how best to use them. I recommend this video to you. http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/this-week-on-tv

Praying that we will all do what it takes to make everyone's piece of the world better for them, being Jesus' hands and feet.............