Go to Kristie's blog to read about the Crazy Love Challenge and find out what other adopting couples are doing! The blog she linked is very cool! God is doing sooooo much! Take time to read about it!
Also, Sydney, her ten year old, also has a blog. She is selling t-shirts to raise money to feed orphans in Africa! Wow! She's already sold over 20 shirts in less than 24 hours! Yes, she is 10 years old!
"We must convert our love for Christ into deeds. We must express Christian love in concrete, living ways... Chrsit is hidden under the suffering appearance of anyone who is hungry, naked, homeless or dying." - Mother Teresa
Yesterday, I attended the Bible Study at Water Angels for the homeless of Knoxville. Between 15-20 men and women sat around a table reading God's Word. No fancy Bible study, only God's word. Reading straight scripture.
One man didn't know where the book of Ruth was located, so Karen turned to him and found it in his Bible. She handed it back to him, and asked without condemnation, but understanding..."You can read, can't you?" He nodded and followed along as the first chapter was read aloud.
The person reading stumbled over the name, Elimilech, so every time she came to it she asked me to say it. Honestly, it was precious! Reading with adults, with some on an elementary grade school reading level, who are devouring God's Word!
Sister Word, an older dark-skinned woman, broke out into song twice. I'm talking old negro spirituals with hand-clapping and deep resonating voices! Chills covered me as I witnessed her freedom in praising God.
We closed the Bible study in prayer circling around a sleeping man sitting in the back of the room. He's been asleep the entire time. The boys joined the circle, and prayed with us. God's spirit was felt in the room.
Finally, yesterday was Stephanie's birthday, and I didn't know it. (Stephanie runs Water Angels and has become a dear friend of mine.) Several women from the Bible study brought her a cake with her name on it. Using the little they had to bless her. Another man went outside and washed her truck and trailer for her birthday. It was beautiful to see people giving what they were able. (Our family, captained by Franklin, is planning a birthday gift for Stephanie. You'll see more on the blog once we start on it. Hmmm...there could be a crazy love project for University Avenue on the horizon!)
When I am surrounded by those who literally have nothing, I realize I have so much to learn. Contentment is found in their hearts. Peace is drawn from God's word. Rest is found in a folding chair. And, the heart behind the gift is better than the gift itself.
One of the most precious things I witnessed yesterday was Stephanie's continual servant heart. Although it was her birthday, she was fixing plates for others before she ate. She was the last to sit down. She stopped eating her lunch to help someone in need. In heaven I'm sure there were angels rejoicing over this lady who ministers so much in Knoxville. Happy Birthday Stephanie! Thanks for allowing me to join you. You teach me so much.
What can you do as a CRAZY LOVE CHALLENGE for those around you? I'd love to hear about it!
1 comment:
I love the quote from Mother Teresa. It sounds a bit strange, but we are looking for Jesus in the lives of the needy. How often do you think we have seen Him and didn't know it?
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