Today the kids and I stepped into Africa through the World Vision Experience. I had no idea what to expect but I knew that I would leave that place with a fresh heart for the poor and hurting of our world. This brought to my mind the men, women and children that I have met across the world that are in need of a hand up. I thought of the little orphan boy, Jefty, in Haiti that hugged me and crawled up in my lap and clung to me during a church service. The fact that he just could not get close enough to me was almost overwhelming. I remember the little girl I met in the Philippians that would not stop staring at me and finally came over and sat with me and sang worship songs to me while a pastor spoke in a language I did not understand. I am reminded of the children in the orphanages in India that I have met and the house Moms that care for them. My friends Sam and Prati Stepehens, Pastor Benny, Samita, Dony St. Germain and the many others that minister to these people. My heart for the under resourced of this world continues to grow. As I walked through the life of Babirye today not only did the young girl loose her Dad to AIDS but she also tested positive for the disease.
We each followed the story of a different child and had to wait in the clinic area for the test results of that child. Lindsey and Anna's little girl did not test positive, but both Ryan and I had children that are now living with the disease.
All of the children pictured in the prayer chapel have either been diagnosed with AIDS or lost one or both parents to the disease. The impact of AIDS in Africa is staggering and is wiping out an entire generation of people.
I am not sure what touches your heart. But I do know that you need to act on that desire to help. Even though you do not think that your small gift or service can make an impact, if every one of us acts, we can, and will make a difference to the people in this world who are in need. Whatever you do, ACT!
Today my hand is stamped with a + sign as Babirye's was in the clinic where she found out the news. This is a reminder that I can make a difference if only I act no matter how small the gesture. My God can take my act and grow it into a plan that will make a difference in the world. Our family plans to act in the LIVE OUT LOUD offering at Indian Creek Community Church on December 20th knowing our God has a plan.
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