Week 1 introduction by Amber Van Schooneveld:
"Most people and most Christians I know care about the poor. They care about the issues facing this world, and know that God wants them to be a part of helping. But I also know that so many of us can get, well, stuck. So many things can get us stuck in inaction--feeling overwhelmed at how huge the problems are, not knowing how to respond in a way that will actually make a difference, not knowing whom to trust, and, sadly, buying into some of the lies of our culture.
This week reflect on what has gotten you stuck in the past. What has stopped you from responding when you hear about the needs in the world? For me, I can get stuck in the lies that I'm just barely getting by myself, and that I really need to take care of myself first.
This is a journey of restoration, because I think God wants to restore not only those around the world who are hurting and in need, but also us here in America. He wants to restore our hearts to be like Jesus--completely given to loving and serving others."
3 comments:
I agree! I've fallen for the "I'm barely getting by myself" lie for way too long. In just the past 2 months I've discovered how much less money I actually HAVE to spend to "get by" each month, and I've been surprised that there is still some left over. I've begun putting back all that's left over to save for a trip to the Congo. I have been asked 4 years in a row now to go on a mission trip to Congo to work with women who have been sexually assaulted. My internal response has always been "I'd love to, but I can't afford a trip like that." I'm discovering that is not true.
Another thought, about not knowing how to respond in ways that will actually make a difference: Recently I worked at helping an inner-city teen male find a Christian man to act as a friend and mentor in his life. I was saddened at how many men I had to screen out because they were more interested in making this young man look and act more like them than they were in simply loving him unconditionally, devoting themselves to learning about him and what is in his heart, and showing him how much he matters because he is God's child.
I want to love as Jesus loves. Teach me, Dear Lord, to love.
Donna,
Thanks so much for your comments. The trip to the Congo sounds like a great goal! I am so glad that God showed you how to work toward making it happen.
Day Two of the reading, and I'm convicted (ok, Day One had me, too). Phrases jumped out at me - "I like to think of myself as a generous person. I like to think of myself as a frugal person." However, I need to "stop believing that I'm just barely getting by" (p.23). Working at the Zionsville Food Bank has been a good weekly reality check for me, but after two hours of helping mostly-elderly clients to their cars with their food, I can go back to my 2,800 SF home. Here's the hard part to admit - I have a bit of pride, that my family of five "manages" and is content in a home that size. Ouch. Lord, change me!
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