June 11, Things I learned from Africa part 1
Things I learned from Africa - number 1:
I went on a mission trip to Costa Rica two years ago and it was incredible. But let me be honest, it couldn't even compare to what I saw and experienced in Africa. The one thought that I can't let go is this, "people shouldn't have to live that way." That is the first thing I learned in Africa. Starting next week I'll share pictures from the trip. Words can't express the living conditions.
A typical house consist of mud and straw bricks. They will go build a square with another room if possible. They cover it with tin and leave a space to get in and out. Can you imagine living in this on a 110 degree day with no air conditioning or even windows? All floors are dirt. But the amazing thing is that they are very clean. They sweep the dirt daily and keep what they have clean as possible.
On Friday we went to the leper colony. I wasn't prepared for what I'd see. Because I have so much pride, I acted as if didn't bother me. As we left and headed for a local private school, one of the women asked what was turning in my head. Oh the wheels were turning, but I was trying to hold the tears back.
Since that day I've had a lot of trouble sleeping. I woke up again this morning at 4:00, laid there until 5:00 and finally just got up. Began reading my Bible and praying. My heart goes out to these people. But heres the deal, I feel as if I should be doing something about it. I have begun looking at my finances a lot differently. Jesus gave me this verse sitting on the porch of our hotel Monday morning before we headed home. I memorized it right then.
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I have four paid for vehicles. Would I be willing to sell one and give the money to the lepers colony? The money could feed them for a year. That would be storing up treasures in heaven. Would I be willing to sell the beautiful home I have and buy something smaller and give the left over to build a church in the village I was working in? That would be building treasures in heaven.
Let me get a little personal, would you be willing to give up something to help people live a better life style? Think of how much money you and I waste every day. Think of the money you store up on earth yet very little for God's Kingdom. People shouldn't have to live like that anywhere on this planet.
In Wild Goose Chase, MArk Batterson shared a prayer he prays regularly, "help me help people." As I read this sitting in the airport I held back the tears. I am in the position to help a lot of people, but am I willing to do it.
You will hear A LOT more about this on June 28th as I share about my trip and what I learned.
I went on a mission trip to Costa Rica two years ago and it was incredible. But let me be honest, it couldn't even compare to what I saw and experienced in Africa. The one thought that I can't let go is this, "people shouldn't have to live that way." That is the first thing I learned in Africa. Starting next week I'll share pictures from the trip. Words can't express the living conditions.
A typical house consist of mud and straw bricks. They will go build a square with another room if possible. They cover it with tin and leave a space to get in and out. Can you imagine living in this on a 110 degree day with no air conditioning or even windows? All floors are dirt. But the amazing thing is that they are very clean. They sweep the dirt daily and keep what they have clean as possible.
On Friday we went to the leper colony. I wasn't prepared for what I'd see. Because I have so much pride, I acted as if didn't bother me. As we left and headed for a local private school, one of the women asked what was turning in my head. Oh the wheels were turning, but I was trying to hold the tears back.
Since that day I've had a lot of trouble sleeping. I woke up again this morning at 4:00, laid there until 5:00 and finally just got up. Began reading my Bible and praying. My heart goes out to these people. But heres the deal, I feel as if I should be doing something about it. I have begun looking at my finances a lot differently. Jesus gave me this verse sitting on the porch of our hotel Monday morning before we headed home. I memorized it right then.
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I have four paid for vehicles. Would I be willing to sell one and give the money to the lepers colony? The money could feed them for a year. That would be storing up treasures in heaven. Would I be willing to sell the beautiful home I have and buy something smaller and give the left over to build a church in the village I was working in? That would be building treasures in heaven.
Let me get a little personal, would you be willing to give up something to help people live a better life style? Think of how much money you and I waste every day. Think of the money you store up on earth yet very little for God's Kingdom. People shouldn't have to live like that anywhere on this planet.
In Wild Goose Chase, MArk Batterson shared a prayer he prays regularly, "help me help people." As I read this sitting in the airport I held back the tears. I am in the position to help a lot of people, but am I willing to do it.
You will hear A LOT more about this on June 28th as I share about my trip and what I learned.
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